Perifosine in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed metastatic or locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma that is incurable by standard therapies, including any of the following types: * Uterine sarcomas * Mixed mesodermal * Leiomyosarcoma * Endometrial stromal sarcoma * Alveolar soft part sarcoma * Angiosarcoma/lymphangiosarcoma * Fibrosarcoma * Hemangiopericytoma * Leiomyosarcoma * Liposarcoma * Malignant fibrous histiocytoma * Neurogenic sarcoma * Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma * Synovial sarcoma * Unclassifiable sarcoma * Undifferentiated sarcoma * Excluded diseases include the following: * Bone sarcomas (e.g., osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma) * Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma * Carcinosarcoma * Kaposi's sarcoma * Malignant mesothelioma * Neuroblastoma * Gastrointestinal stromal tumor * At least 1 unidimensionally measurable site of disease (outside the previously irradiated area) defined as: * At least 20 mm by x-ray or physical exam * At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan * At least 20 mm by non-spiral CT scan NOTE: Bone lesions are not considered measurable NOTE: Patients whose sole site of disease is within a previously irradiated area are allowed if there is evidence of progression or new lesions in the irradiated field * No known brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 18 and over Performance status * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy * At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic * Absolute granulocyte coun…