DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed invasive ovarian epithelial carcinoma or primary peritoneal carcinoma at time of initial laparotomy No histologically confirmed noninvasive ovarian malignancy or low malignant potential tumor or carcinomatosis from other nonovarian or peritoneal sites At least three courses of first-line combination chemotherapy (platinum and paclitaxel) with either persistent or recurrent disease If no treatment with first-line paclitaxel, salvage paclitaxel failure must be documented prior to eligibility Ascites that is cytologically positive for adenocarcinoma or gross evidence of recurrent disease with ascites, or gross recurrent disease with abdominopelvic washing cytologically positive for adenocarcinoma Adequate peritoneal distribution by Technetium 99 scan