Inclusion Criteria

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