Gemcitabine and Epirubicin in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma
• At least 1 measurable lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension
• * At least 20 mm (2 cm) in diameter
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age:
• 18 and over
• Performance status:
• ECOG 0-2
• Life expectancy:
• At least 12 weeks
• Hematopoietic:
• Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3
• Hepatic:
• Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• AST no greater than 3 times ULN
• Renal:
• Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN
• Cardiovascular:
• LVEF at least 50%
• No history of congestive heart failure
• No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease
• Other:
• No uncontrolled infection
• No other severe underlying disease that would preclude study participation
• No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, noninvasive carcinomas, or localized prostate cancer
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study participation
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• Chemotherapy:
• No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for malignant pleural mesothelioma
• No prior gemcitabine or anthracyclines
• Other:
• No concurrent cimetidine