S0028, Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Cancer of the Urinary Tract

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed urothelial cancer * Transitional cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or squamous carcinoma (bladder, renal pelvis, ureter, or urethra) * Previously untreated metastatic or locoregionally advanced (i.e., bulky pelvic nodes) disease OR * Locally recurrent carcinoma after radiotherapy or cystectomy and no longer eligible for further radiotherapy or surgery * Measurable disease PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 70 and over OR * Under 60 Performance status: * Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,200/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) * Aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) or alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) no greater than 2 times ULN Renal: * Creatinine no greater than ULN Other: * HIV negative * No other concurrent life-threatening medical disorder that would preclude study participation * No other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or adequately treated stage I or II cancer in complete remission * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * Prior adjuvant chemotherapy is allowed provided administered more than 10 years ago * No prior gemcitabine, taxanes, or platinum-…