DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed, high-risk epithelial tumors of mullerian origin, including: Ovarian epithelial cancer Peritoneal papillary serous cancer Primary fallopian tube cancer Endometrial cancer High-risk is defined as: Any amount of gross residual disease remaining at the time of initial debulking surgery AND/OR Any radiographic or physical exam evidence of disease after surgery AND/OR Disease outside of the abdomen (e.g., malignant pleural effusion) AND/OR Parenchymal liver, spleen, or lung metastases