OBJECTIVES: I. Compare overall survival, progression-free interval, and patterns of failure of maximally debulked patients with stage III/IV endometrial carcinoma treated with whole-abdominal irradiation vs. doxorubicin/cisplatin. II. Compare the incidence and type of acute and late adverse events observed with these two treatment regimens. III. Compare changes in fatigue, elimination, and neurologic impairment that impact on quality of life in patients treated with these two regimens. IV. Assess the difference in short-term versus long-term impact on quality of life between the two treatment groups. V. Compare quality-of-life outcomes over time between these two treatment groups.