OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the feasibility of administering multiple courses of carboplatin and topotecan without excessive dose modification or course delay in patients with previously untreated ovarian epithelial or primary peritoneal carcinoma. II. Describe the response rate and progression-free interval in these patients with this treatment regimen. III. Determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters related to the sequence of carboplatin and topotecan administration in these patients.