Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Cancer of the Cervix

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed refractory or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that has failed local therapy and is considered incurable Must have had 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for cervical cancer No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (single or combination drug therapy), unless used as a radiosensitizer No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease including retreatment with initial chemotherapy Bidimensionally measurable disease Ineligible for higher priority GOG protocol PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: GOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least lower limit of normal Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal SGOT and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception No significant infection No other malignancies within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy for cervical cancer Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered No prior gemcitabine Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior endocrine therapy for cervical cancer Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of marrow-bearing areas Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for cervical cancer and recovered Other: No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study