DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed refractory or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix that has failed local therapy and is considered incurable

• Must have had 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for cervical cancer

  • No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (single or combination drug therapy), unless used as a radiosensitizer
  • No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease including retreatment with initial chemotherapy
• Bidimensionally measurable disease
• Ineligible for higher priority GOG protocol

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• Not specified

Performance status:

• GOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Platelet count at least lower limit of normal
• Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal
• SGOT and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times normal

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Other:

• Not pregnant
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No significant infection
• No other malignancies within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered
• No prior gemcitabine

Endocrine therapy:

• At least 3 weeks since prior endocrine therapy for cervical cancer

Radiotherapy:

• At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered
• No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of marrow-bearing areas

Surgery:

• At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for cervical cancer and recovered

Other:

• No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents
• No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study