Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed ovarian epithelial carcinoma

- Platinum-refractory or resistant disease

- At least 1 prior non-platinum chemotherapy agent required

- Prior bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy required

- Bidimensionally measurable disease OR CA-125 greater than 100 units/mm3

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- Over 18

Performance status:

- Karnofsky 70-100%

Life expectancy:

- More than 3 months

Hematopoietic:

- Not specified

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin normal

- AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)

Renal:

- Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN OR

- Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min

Other:

- No other prior malignancy except non-melanoma skin cancer unless curatively treated
with no evidence of disease within the past 5 years and at low risk for recurrence

- No other clinical circumstances that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- At least 4 weeks since prior biologic therapy and recovered

- No prior thalidomide

Chemotherapy:

- See Disease Characteristics

- At least 4 weeks since prior cytotoxic therapy and recovered

Endocrine therapy:

- At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy and recovered

Radiotherapy:

- At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy

Surgery:

- See Disease Characteristics

- At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery