Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Gemcitabine and Epirubicin in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by North Central Cancer Treatment Group   For more information:National Cancer Institute (NCI) RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining more than one drug may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combining gemcitabine and epirubicin in treating patients who have malignant mesothelioma. Condition Treatment or Intervention localized malignant mesothelioma advanced malignant mesothelioma recurrent malignant mesothelioma Drug: epirubicin Drug: gemcitabine Procedure: chemotherapy This is a Phase II test In Phase II clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety. Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Treatment Official Title: Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Epirubicin in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Further Study Details:  OBJECTIVES: Determine the antitumor activity of gemcitabine and epirubicin in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Determine the toxicity of this regimen in this patient population. Determine the time to progression and overall survival of patients treated with this regimen. Assess quality of life in patients treated with this regimen. OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8 and epirubicin IV on day 1. Treatment repeats every 21 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients achieving complete response (CR) receive 2 additional courses beyond CR. Quality of life is assessed at baseline, prior to course 3, at 3 months, and then at 1 year. Patients are followed every 3 months for 1 year, every 4 months for 1 year, and then every 6 months for 3 years. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 15-41 patients will be accrued for this study within 6-18 months. Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both Criteria 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