DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Radiographic or surgical evidence of primary ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma Ascites cytologically positive for peritoneal carcinomatosis from recurrent or persistent ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma Must have ascites and tumor accessible by laparoscopic or percutaneous biopsy Immunohistochemical evidence of p53 gene mutation in the ascitic fluid cell block or primary tumor biopsy or other documented mutation