Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Cancer of the Cervix

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Histologically confirmed refractory or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that has failed local therapy and is considered incurable
• Must have had 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for cervical cancer
• * No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (single or combination drug therapy), unless used as a radiosensitizer
• * No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease including retreatment with initial chemotherapy
• Bidimensionally measurable disease
• Ineligible for higher priority GOG protocol
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age:
• Not specified
• Performance status:
• GOG 0-2
• Life expectancy:
• Not specified
• Hematopoietic:
• Platelet count at least lower limit of normal
• Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3
• Hepatic:
• Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal
• SGOT and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times normal
• Renal:
• Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL
• Other:
• Not pregnant
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No significant infection
• No other malignancies within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• Biologic therapy:
• At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy for cervical cancer
• Chemotherapy:
• See Disease Characteristics
• At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered
• No prior gemcitabine
• Endocrine therapy:
• At least 3 weeks since prior endocrine therapy for cervical cancer
• Radiotherapy:
• At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered
• No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of marrow-bearing areas
• Surgery:
• At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for cervical cancer and recovered
• Other:
• No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents
• No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study