Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed primary endometrial carcinoma Recurrent or persistent disease Refractory to curative therapy or established treatment Previously treated with only 1 prior cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen (either single agent or combination therapy) for endometrial carcinoma Initial treatment may include high-dose, consolidation, or extended therapy administered after surgical or non-surgical assessment At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan At least 1 target lesion outside previously irradiated field Ineligible for higher priority Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocol, defined as any active GOG phase III protocol for the same patient population 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 100,000/mm^3 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 PT/PTT normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No prior thromboembolic events or thrombophlebitis No prior recent myocardial infarction No prior angina No prior cerebrovascular accident No prior transient ischemic attacks Other: No other invasive malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer No grade 2 or greater sensory or motor neuropathy No active infection requiring antibiotics PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior biologic or immunologic agents for endometrial carcinoma Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for endometrial carcinoma and recovered Endocrine therapy: At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy for endometrial carcinoma Concurrent hormone replacement therapy allowed Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for endometrial carcinoma and recovered Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for endometrial carcinoma and recovered At least 6 months since prior re-vascularization procedures (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft, carotid endarterectomy or bypass, or angioplasty with or without stents) Other: At least 3 weeks since other prior therapy for endometrial carcinoma At least 6 months since prior thrombolytic procedures No prior cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors No prior anticancer therapy that would preclude study No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents