Capecitabine in Treating Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial or Primary Peritoneal Cavity Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven recurrent ovarian epithelial or primary peritoneal cavity cancer Measurable disease At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion Ascites and pleural effusions are not considered measurable disease Prior therapy must include 1 platinum-based chemotherapy regimen for primary disease containing carboplatin, cisplatin, or another organoplatinum compound Treatment-free interval of 6-12 months after response to platinum therapy Not eligible for higher priority GOG protocol PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Any age Performance status: GOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least lower limit of normal Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min Other: Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No neuropathy (sensory and motor) greater than grade 1 No other malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer No concurrent active infection requiring antibiotics PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior biologic or immunologic therapy No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF) Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics If no prior therapy with paclitaxel, a second regimen including paclitaxel allowed No prior capecitabine or fluorouracil No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease, including pretreatment with initial chemotherapy regimens Recovered from prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy directed at malignant tumor Concurrent continuation of hormone replacement therapy allowed Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior radiotherapy to site(s) of measurable disease No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of bone marrow Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery Other: No prior cancer treatment that would preclude study therapy No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents