DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Pathological stage III/IV endometrial carcinoma of any histology (including clear cell and serous papillary carcinomas) The following extent of disease eligible: Positive adnexa Tumor invading the serosa Positive pelvic nodes Positive para-aortic nodes Involvement of the bowel mucosa Intra-abdominal metastases Positive pelvic washings Vaginal involvement within the radiotherapy field Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) required with residual tumor not greater than 2 cm at any site Selective pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling optional for patients with stage III/IV disease by other criteria If para-aortic nodes are positive, scalene nodes must be negative on biopsy and chest CT must be negative for intrathoracic disease The following disease conditions exclude: Parenchymal liver metastasis Lung metastasis Positive inguinal nodes Positive scalene nodes Recurrent disease Protocol therapy must begin within 8 weeks after surgery