Toremifene in Treating Patients With Ovarian Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically confirmed serous papillary carcinoma of the ovary

Recurrent or refractory disease following at least one regimen including paclitaxel, cisplatin, or carboplatin
Measurable disease outside of irradiated field
No CNS metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

18 and over

Performance status:

Zubrod 0-2

Life expectancy:

At least 16 weeks

Hematopoietic:

Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,800/mm^3
Platelet count at least 125,000/mm^3
No history of thrombosis or thromboembolic events

Hepatic:

Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Renal:

Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Other:

Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 2 months after study
No other concurrent second malignancy or prior malignancy within past 5 years, except basal or squamous cell skin cancer or curatively treated stage I carcinoma of the cervix
No concurrent infection
At least 3 days since prior fever (unless due to tumor)
No other concurrent severe medical illness
No HIV positivity

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

Not specified

Chemotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
No concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

No prior tamoxifen or antiestrogen therapy

Radiotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
At least 6 months since prior radiotherapy
No concurrent radiotherapy except to symptomatic or potentially disabling bone lesion accompanied by other measurable disease

Surgery:

Not specified

Other:

No concurrent anticoagulants
No other concurrent therapeutic trials