OBJECTIVES: I. Estimate the antitumor activity of topotecan in patients with recurrent or refractory carcinosarcoma of the uterus who have failed standard therapy. II. Determine the nature and degree of toxic effects of topotecan in these patients.
OUTLINE: Patients receive topotecan IV over 30 minutes daily for 5 days. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for a minimum of 1 course in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients with complete response, partial response, or stable disease continue treatment for at least three courses. Patients are followed every 4 months for 2 years, every 6 months for 3 years, and then periodically thereafter until death.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 25-40 patients will be accrued for this study within 2 years.