DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage IIIC ovarian epithelial cancer Chemosensitive to 6-8 courses of standard dose adjuvant chemotherapy (one regimen), such as cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with paclitaxel, or any other standard dose regimen Residual disease (no greater than 1 cm) following second look laparotomy Ineligible if no microscopic disease present following induction chemotherapy OR Histologically proven newly diagnosed stage IV ovarian epithelial cancer Achieved at least partial response (PR) (80% or greater reduction in tumor by CT scan) following six courses of standard dose chemotherapy (one regimen) OR Residual disease (no greater than 1 cm) or no disease determined at the time of second look laparotomy OR Histologically proven relapsed ovarian epithelial cancer Relapse following standard dose chemotherapy Chemosensitive Achieved at least PR after 4-6 courses of salvage chemotherapy (total of 2 regimens) No more than a six week interval between completion of standard dose chemotherapy and second look laparotomy