OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the activity of paclitaxel when administered on a weekly schedule to patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have failed paclitaxel on a 3 or 24 hour infusion schedule. II. Evaluate the toxic effects of paclitaxel when administered on a weekly schedule in this patient population. III. Correlate response with quality of life outcomes, including symptom distress, performance status, and global quality of life.