Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Cancer of the Cervix

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed refractory or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that has failed local therapy and is considered incurable * Must have had 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for cervical cancer * No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (single or combination drug therapy), unless used as a radiosensitizer * No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease including retreatment with initial chemotherapy * Bidimensionally measurable disease * Ineligible for higher priority GOG protocol PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * Not specified Performance status: * GOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Platelet count at least lower limit of normal * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal * SGOT and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times normal Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: * Not pregnant * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No significant infection * No other malignancies within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy for cervical cancer Chemotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered * No prior gemcitabine Endocrine therapy: * At least 3 weeks since prior endocrine therapy for cervical cancer Radiotherapy: * At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered * No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of marrow-bearing areas Surgery: * At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for cervical cancer and recovered Other: * No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents * No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study