OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the time to disease relapse, survival, and quality of life of patients with stage III or IV ovarian epithelial, tubal, or peritoneal adenocarcinoma treated with OvaRex monoclonal antibody B43.13 OR placebo following complete clinical response to primary therapy. II. Determine the safety of this regimen in these patients. III. Assess the immune response of patients treated with this regimen.