Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically proven recurrent ovarian epithelial or primary peritoneal cavity
cancer

- Measurable disease

- At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion

- Ascites and pleural effusions are not considered measurable disease

- Prior therapy must include 1 platinum-based chemotherapy regimen for primary disease
containing carboplatin, cisplatin, or another organoplatinum compound

- Treatment-free interval of 6-12 months after response to platinum therapy

- Not eligible for higher priority GOG protocol

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- Any age

Performance status:

- GOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

- Not specified

Hematopoietic:

- Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3

- Platelet count at least lower limit of normal

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)

- SGOT no greater than 2.5 times ULN

- Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN

Renal:

- Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min

Other:

- Not pregnant

- Negative pregnancy test

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

- No neuropathy (sensory and motor) greater than grade 1

- No other malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer

- No concurrent active infection requiring antibiotics

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior biologic or immunologic therapy

- No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF)

Chemotherapy:

- See Disease Characteristics

- If no prior therapy with paclitaxel, a second regimen including paclitaxel allowed

- No prior capecitabine or fluorouracil

- No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease, including pretreatment
with initial chemotherapy regimens

- Recovered from prior chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

- At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy directed at malignant tumor

- Concurrent continuation of hormone replacement therapy allowed

Radiotherapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered

- No prior radiotherapy to site(s) of measurable disease

- No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of bone marrow

Surgery:

- Recovered from prior surgery

Other:

- No prior cancer treatment that would preclude study therapy

- No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents