DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage III/IV ovarian epithelial cancer in first or second clinical complete remission after receiving a minimum of 4-10 courses of chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and either cisplatin or carboplatin Ovarian epithelial cancer of following histologic types: Serous adenocarcinoma Mucinous adenocarcinoma Clear cell adenocarcinoma Transitional cell Adenocarcinoma N.O.S. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma Undifferentiated carcinoma Mixed epithelial carcinoma Malignant Brenner's Tumor Remission stability maintained for at least 4 weeks Protocol therapy must begin 30-90 days after last dose of standard therapy No active pleural or pericardial effusion No prior/concurrent brain metastasis or carcinoid meningitis