Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, and Filgrastim in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Leiomyosarcoma or Soft Tissue Sarcoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Histologically confirmed leiomyosarcoma (LMS) or other soft tissue sarcoma

  * No gastrointestinal stromal tumors, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or mesotheliomas
* Recurrent or progressive disease defined as an increase in the size of any existing tumor (or the development of new tumors) that is not amenable to definitive surgical therapy
* No prior chemotherapy OR
* Failed no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for LMS of the uterus or other soft tissue sarcoma
* Bidimensionally measurable disease by physical examination or medical imaging techniques

  * Ascites and pleural effusions are not considered measurable disease
* No uncontrolled CNS metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

* 18 and over

Performance status:

* Karnofsky 60-100%

Life expectancy:

* Not specified

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 mg/dL

Renal:

* Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Other:

* No active or uncontrolled infection
* No other prior malignancy except non-metastatic squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer or non-invasive carcinoma in situ of the cervix
* No history of grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy
* Not pregnant or nursing

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

* Not specified

Chemotherapy:

* See Disease Characteristics
* At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy
* No prior gemcitabine or docetaxel

Endocrine therapy:

* Not specified

Radiotherapy:

* At least 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy

Surgery:

* See Disease Characteristics