DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma

• At least 1 measurable lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension

  • At least 20 mm (2 cm) in diameter

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 18 and over

Performance status:

• ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

• At least 12 weeks

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)
• AST no greater than 3 times ULN

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN

Cardiovascular:

• LVEF at least 50%
• No history of congestive heart failure
• No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease

Other:

• No uncontrolled infection
• No other severe underlying disease that would preclude study participation
• No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, noninvasive carcinomas, or localized prostate cancer
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study participation

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for malignant pleural mesothelioma
• No prior gemcitabine or anthracyclines

Endocrine therapy:

• Not specified

Radiotherapy:

• Not specified

Surgery:

• Not specified

Other:

• No concurrent cimetidine