DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed, high-risk, extracranial germ cell tumors including the following: Yolk sac carcinoma (endodermal sinus tumor) Embryonal carcinoma Choriocarcinoma Teratoma with mixed malignant elements (malignant teratoma) OR Malignant recurrence (stage III or IV) of previously resected stage I extracranial, extragonadal tumor High-risk disease defined as stage III or IV extragonadal tumors Measurable disease by diagnostic imaging