DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic refractory ovarian epithelial cancer OR primary peritoneal cancer provided the clinical and pathological features of the tumor are similar to primary ovarian epithelial carcinoma Patients must have received prior chemotherapy including at least one platinum analogue and one taxane analogue unless patient is poor candidate for these treatments due to neuropathy, nephropathy, or hypersensitivity (to Taxol only) Bidimensionally measurable disease by x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or physical exam Ascites not considered measurable or evaluable Hormone receptor status: Estrogen receptor status must be known or tissue must be available for analysis