DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, urethra, ureter, or renal pelvis Histologic documentation of metastatic or recurrent disease is not required Clinical (not pathological) staging is required Measurable disease At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan Nonmeasurable disease defined as any of the following: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural/pericardial effusion Lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis Abdominal masses not confirmed or followed by imaging techniques Cystic lesions Primary bladder masses Relapse from or failure to achieve complete or partial response after 1 chemotherapy regimen that included cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Granulocyte count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 2 times ULN Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease Electrocardiogram QTc less than 500 msec Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other concurrent active malignancy (greater than 30% risk of relapse) except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy except for non-disease related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) and steroids for adrenal failure Radiotherapy: Prior palliative radiotherapy allowed for symptomatic lesions or in case of disability (e.g., unstable femur) provided other measurable disease is present At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent palliative radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified