DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically, cytologically, or clinically confirmed unresectable, stage IV, or recurrent soft tissue sarcoma No Ewing's sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, bone sarcomas, mesotheliomas, or primitive neuroectodermal tumors Bidimensionally measurable disease by x-ray, CT scan or MRI, or physical examination No CNS metastases No more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease