Weekly Infusions of Paclitaxel in Treating Women With Stage III or Stage IV Ovarian Cancer Refractory to Paclitaxel and Platinum

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage III or IV ovarian cancer that is refractory to an initial chemotherapy regimen that included a platinum agent plus paclitaxel - Epithelial ovarian cancer - Primary carcinoma of the peritoneum - Fallopian tube cancer Initial response to platinum and paclitaxel must have been one of the following: Progression or stable disease Response that lasted less than 3 months Response that lasted at least 3 months, but when retreated with both agents (in combination or as single agents) disease was refractory Measurable or evaluable disease Evaluable disease is defined by: CA-125 at least 100 units/mL AND CA-125 level must have at least doubled from baseline determination PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST or ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association Class III or IV heart disease No myocardial infarction within last 6 months No congestive heart failure No unstable angina No clinically significant pericardial effusion or arrhythmia Neurology: No current peripheral neuropathy of any etiology that is greater than grade 1 Other: No active serious infection or other serious underlying medical condition No prior significant allergic reactions to drugs containing Cremophor, such as teniposide, cyclosporin, or vitamin K Not pregnant or nursing Adequate contraception required of all fertile patients PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since immunotherapy No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: Prior paclitaxel treatment must have been administered on a 3 week or greater schedule No other prior chemotherapy besides platinum and paclitaxel At least 3 weeks since acceptable chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since hormonal therapy No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since radiotherapy No prior radiation to greater than 30% of bone marrow Surgery: At least 3 weeks since major surgery