Studying DNA in Patients With Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

OBJECTIVES: * To determine if DNA methylation patterns and expression of differentially methylated genes taken before chemotherapy can predict patient outcome with regard to progression-free survival. * To evaluate whether DNA methylation can predict response assessed by RECIST criteria and CA 125 response. * To evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of predicting methylation changes in tumor from the changes at the corresponding CpG islands in plasma. OUTLINE: Tumor samples are collected at the time of initial laparotomy and blood is drawn prior to surgery for DNA methylation and biomarker studies. Changes in DNA methylation will be examined globally using DNA methylation hybridization to microarrays and methylation specific PCR, as well as expression of genes shown to be differentially methylated.