DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed advanced, persistent, or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

  • Documented disease progression after local therapy and considered incurable

• At least 1 target lesion measurable in at least 1 dimension

  • At least 20 mm by conventional techniques, including palpation, plain x-ray, CT scan, or MRI OR at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan
  • Target lesion cannot be in a previously irradiated field

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 100,000/mm^3

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 active infection requiring antibiotics
• No other invasive malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer
• No neuropathy (sensory and motor) greater than grade I

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy or immunotherapy for the malignant tumor
• No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF)

Chemotherapy:

• At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for the malignant tumor and recovered
• No prior cytotoxic therapy (except when used as a radiosensitizer)
• No prior chemotherapy for other malignancy

Endocrine therapy:

• At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy for the malignant tumor
• Concurrent hormone replacement therapy allowed

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for the malignant tumor and recovered
• No prior radiotherapy for other malignancy

Surgery:

• Recovered from prior surgery

Other:

• At least 3 weeks since any other prior therapy for the malignant tumor
• No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study therapy
• No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents