Docetaxel and Carboplatin in Treating Patients With Recurrent Stage IVB Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Cancer) of the Cervix

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix Advanced disease (stage IVB) Persistent or recurrent disease No available curative treatment options Measurable disease by physical examination, chest x-ray, CT scan, or MRI PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age Over 18 Performance status GOG 0-2 Life expectancy More than 6 months Hematopoietic Absolute neutrophil count > 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count > 100,000/mm^3 Hemoglobin > 8 g/dL Hepatic Bilirubin normal SGOT and SGPT ≤ 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AND alkaline phosphatase normal OR Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 4 times ULN AND SGOT and SGPT normal Renal Creatinine < 1.5 times ULN Other No other invasive malignancy within the past 5 years No prior severe hypersensitivity reaction to docetaxel or other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80 No peripheral neuropathy > grade 1 No other concurrent malignancy except curatively treated non-melanoma skin cancer No other serious medical or psychiatric illness that would preclude giving informed consent or limit survival Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy No concurrent biologic therapy Chemotherapy No more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens One sensitizing chemotherapy regimen during radiotherapy AND 1 regimen for recurrent disease are considered 2 regimens At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy No prior docetaxel No prior carboplatin No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy Radiotherapy See Chemotherapy At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery