DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent or stage IV (metastatic or locally advanced) unresectable soft tissue sarcoma Patients with soft tissue Ewing's sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, sarcoma of the bone, and mesothelioma are not eligible Must have failed at least one, but no more than two, prior chemotherapy regimens, one of which contained doxorubicin either as adjuvant therapy or first-line therapy for metastatic disease Bidimensionally measurable disease on x-ray, MRI or CT scan, or physical exam (outside of previously irradiated area) No CNS metastases