Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically proven recurrent or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma

- No rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma,
mesothelioma, or Kaposi's sarcoma Bidimensionally measurable disease other than
previously irradiated disease site(s) even if there has been progression within the
radiation field

- Pulmonary nodule(s) at least 1 x 1 cm No brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Age: 18 and over

- Performance status: ECOG 0 or 1

- Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3

- Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3

- Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL

- AST and ALT less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (3 times ULN if liver
metastases present)

- Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Negative pregnancy test

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after study

- No uncontrolled infection

- No history of prior malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell or squamous
cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or any other malignancy in
complete remission

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen in the adjuvant setting

- No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease

- At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for mitomycin or nitrosoureas)

- At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy

- Recovered from prior surgery