OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of amifostine in reducing significant peripheral neuropathy in women with ovarian, peritoneal, cervical, fallopian tube, uterine, or endometrial cancer treated with cisplatin and paclitaxel. II. Determine the proportion of patients on this regimen who experience significant peripheral neuropathy 3 months after completing chemotherapy. III. Assess the overall toxicity of this regimen in these patients.