OBJECTIVES:
* Determine the response rate, progression time, and survival of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated with weekly paclitaxel and gemcitabine.
* Determine the toxic effects of this regimen in these patients.
* Evaluate the toxic effects and safety profile of premedication with steroids with this regimen in these patients.
OUTLINE: Patients are stratified according to prior treatment with paclitaxel (none or relapse more than 6 months after paclitaxel versus progressive disease or relapse less than 6 months after paclitaxel).
Patients receive dexamethasone IV, then paclitaxel IV followed by gemcitabine IV, for 3 consecutive weeks on days 1, 8, and 15. Treatment is continued every 4 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
All patients are followed until death.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 18-35 patients will be accrued for this study.
