Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, and Filgrastim in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Leiomyosarcoma or Soft Tissue Sarcoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed leiomyosarcoma (LMS) or other soft tissue sarcoma No gastrointestinal stromal tumors, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or mesotheliomas Recurrent or progressive disease defined as an increase in the size of any existing tumor (or the development of new tumors) that is not amenable to definitive surgical therapy No prior chemotherapy OR Failed no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for LMS of the uterus or other soft tissue sarcoma Bidimensionally measurable disease by physical examination or medical imaging techniques Ascites and pleural effusions are not considered measurable disease No uncontrolled CNS metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: No active or uncontrolled infection No other prior malignancy except non-metastatic squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer or non-invasive carcinoma in situ of the cervix No history of grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy Not pregnant or nursing PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy No prior gemcitabine or docetaxel Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics