CT-2103 in Treating Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial or Fallopian Tube Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma * Recurrent disease following prior initial therapy with platinum-based regimen * No more than 2 prior cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens for recurrent disease * No more than 1 prior non-platinum, non-taxane regimen * At least 1 site of radiographically measurable disease AND/OR * CA-125 levels at least 50% above upper limits of normal for a minimum of 2 samples PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * Not specified Performance status * Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic * Bilirubin less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * SGOT less than 1.5 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase less than 1.5 times ULN Renal * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other * No unresolved, pre-existing grade 2 or greater neurotoxicity from prior treatment with neurotoxic drugs * No active uncontrolled infection * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 4 weeks after study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy and recovered Chemotherapy * See Disease Characteristics * At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered Endocrine therapy * At least 4 weeks since prior endocrine therapy and recovered Radiotherapy * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy (except for palliative reasons) and recovered Surgery * Not specified Other * At least 4 weeks since other prior investigational drugs and recovered