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

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically confirmed recurrent or persistent ovarian epithelial cancer or primary peritoneal cancer after second-line therapy * Received 1 prior platinum-based first-line chemotherapy regimen and 1 prior second-line (non-platinum, non-taxane) chemotherapy regimen * At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion * At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan * At least 1 target lesion that has not previously been irradiated * Ineligible for a higher priority GOG protocol (if one exists) * Ineligible for the currently active phase II cytotoxic protocol for platinum-resistant disease * Performance status - GOG 0-2 * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 * No active bleeding * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * SGOT no greater than 2.5 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN * PT or PTT less than ULN * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN * No uncontrolled hypertension * No uncompensated congestive heart failure * No symptomatic coronary artery disease * No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months * No sensory or motor neuropathy greater than grade 1 * No active infection requiring antibiotics * No other invasive malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * At least 3 weeks since prior biological therapy or immunotherapy directed at the malignancy * No prior polyglutamate paclitaxel (CT-2103) * Recovered from prior chemotherapy * At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy directed at the malignancy * Concurrent hormone replacement therapy allowed * Recovered from prior radiotherapy * No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of bone marrow * Recovered from prior surgery * At least 3 weeks since other prior therapy directed at the malignancy * No prior therapy for another malignancy that would preclude this study * No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents