Docetaxel in Treating Women With Ovarian Epithelial or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed ovarian epithelial or primary peritoneal serous cancer that is resistant to platinum therapy * Platinum resistance as defined by one of the following: * Relapse within 6 months of platinum based chemotherapy * Residual disease after completion of platinum based chemotherapy * Disease progression while receiving platinum based chemotherapy * Marker only relapse (CA-125 elevation) and measurable disease * Bidimensionally measurable disease on exam or CT scan PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Sex: * Female Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Greater than 2 months Hematopoietic: * WBC at least 3,000/mm3 * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) * SGPT or SGOT no greater than 1.5 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: * Acceptable cardiac exam * No active cardiac ischemia Pulmonary: * Acceptable pulmonary exam * No active pulmonary infection or compromise Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * No severe peripheral neuropathy (grade 2 or greater) * No other significant psychiatric or medical conditions that would interfere with compliance * No other malignancies within the past 3 years, except: * Limited basal or squamous cell skin cancer * Carcinoma in situ of the cervix PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No prior cytokine therapy Chemotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for ovarian epithelial or peritoneal serous cancer * Prior paclitaxel allowed * No prior docetaxel * At least 3 years since prior chemotherapy for other disease Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * No prior pelvic radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified