OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the antitumor activity of gemcitabine in patients with recurrent or persistent leiomyosarcoma of the uterus who failed higher priority treatment protocols. II. Determine the toxicity of gemcitabine in these patients.
OUTLINE: Patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes weekly for 3 weeks. Courses repeat every 4 weeks in the absence of unacceptable toxicity and disease progression. Patients with partial response, complete response, or stable disease receive at least 3 courses of therapy. Patients are followed every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 years.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 40 patients will be accrued for this study within 4 years.