Gemcitabine and Epirubicin in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma * At least 1 measurable lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension * At least 20 mm (2 cm) in diameter PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST no greater than 3 times ULN Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: * LVEF at least 50% * No history of congestive heart failure * No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease Other: * No uncontrolled infection * No other severe underlying disease that would preclude study participation * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, noninvasive carcinomas, or localized prostate cancer * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy: * No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for malignant pleural mesothelioma * No prior gemcitabine or anthracyclines Other: * No concurrent cimetidine