Carboplatin and Gemcitabine in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced solid tumor for which no standard therapy exists No untreated brain metastases with evidence of neurologic deterioration or CNS progression

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: More than 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other: No serious concurrent infection No other serious concurrent medical illness that would preclude study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for at least 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No more than 2 prior systemic chemotherapy regimens for advanced disease Prior adjuvant or induction therapy for initial disease allowed At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas, mitomycin, or melphalan) No prior combination carboplatin and gemcitabine Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to more than 30% of bone marrow At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified