Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel, and Carboplatin in Treating Patients With Primary Stage III, Stage IV, or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven primary stage III or IV or recurrent endometrial cancer Bidimensionally measurable disease by x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or physical exam Sole site may be within a previously irradiated area if documented disease progression since prior radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Adult Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin, SGOT, and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 1.5 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.8 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Left ventricular ejection fraction at least 50% Other: No active uncontrolled infection No greater than grade II neuropathy No other active malignancy Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior doxorubicin Greater than 6 months since prior paclitaxel, carboplatin, or other platinum compounds Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Not specified