CT-2103 in Treating Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial or Fallopian Tube Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma Recurrent disease following prior initial therapy with platinum-based regimen No more than 2 prior cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens for recurrent disease No more than 1 prior non-platinum, non-taxane regimen At least 1 site of radiographically measurable disease AND/OR CA-125 levels at least 50% above upper limits of normal for a minimum of 2 samples PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age Not specified Performance status Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy Not specified Hematopoietic Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic Bilirubin less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT less than 1.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase less than 1.5 times ULN Renal Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other No unresolved, pre-existing grade 2 or greater neurotoxicity from prior treatment with neurotoxic drugs No active uncontrolled infection Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 4 weeks after study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy and recovered Chemotherapy See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered Endocrine therapy At least 4 weeks since prior endocrine therapy and recovered Radiotherapy At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy (except for palliative reasons) and recovered Surgery Not specified Other At least 4 weeks since other prior investigational drugs and recovered