UCN-01 and Topotecan in Treating Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer, or Primary Peritoneal Cavity Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cavity cancer Measurable disease outside of field of prior radiotherapy OR Progressive disease within field after radiotherapy Must have had no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens At least 1 prior regimen must have included a platinum agent (e.g., carboplatin or cisplatin) No known brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 and over Performance status ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy More than 12 weeks Hematopoietic WBC at least 3,000/mm^3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal Creatinine no greater than ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min Cardiovascular No coronary artery disease No symptomatic cardiac dysfunction No symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease with evidence of cardiac pathology Pulmonary No symptomatic pulmonary dysfunction Other No prior allergic reaction attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to UCN-01 or other agents used in this study No insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus No other uncontrolled concurrent illness No ongoing or active infection No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy At least 4 weeks since prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) No prior topotecan (other prior topoisomerase I inhibitors allowed) Endocrine therapy At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy Radiotherapy See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No prior radiotherapy to more than 40% of bone marrow No prior mediastinal irradiation Surgery At least 4 weeks since prior surgery Other Recovered from all prior therapy No other concurrent investigational agents No other concurrent anticancer agents or therapies No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients