Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed metastatic or unresectable primary transitional cell
carcinoma of the urinary tract, including bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis

- At least one measurable lesion

- 20 mm or greater by conventional techniques OR

- 10 mm or greater by spiral CT scan

- Must have received one (and only one) prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced or
metastatic disease

- No clinical signs of brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- 18 and over

Performance status:

- ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

- At least 3 months

Hematopoietic:

- Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3

- Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)

- Alkaline phosphatase and transaminases no greater than 2.5 times ULN (no greater than
5 times ULN with liver metastases)

Renal:

- Creatinine no greater than 1.7 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

- Normal cardiac function

- No ischemic heart disease within the past 6 months

- Normal 12 lead ECG

Other:

- No prior gastrectomy or any gastrointestinal disease that may impair absorption of
SCH 66336

- No unstable systemic disease

- No active uncontrolled infection

- No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that would
preclude study

- No prior or concurrent other malignancy except cone biopsied carcinoma in situ of the
cervix or adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Negative pregnancy test

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- Not specified

Chemotherapy:

- See Disease Characteristics

- At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy

- No prior farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors or gemcitabine

Endocrine therapy:

- Not specified

Radiotherapy:

- At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy

Surgery:

- At least 2 weeks since prior major surgery

Other:

- No other concurrent anticancer agents

- No other concurrent investigational therapy