Combination Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Esophageal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction T1, N1, M0 or T2-4, Nx, M0 No supraclavicular or celiac lymph nodes Previously untreated, newly diagnosed tumors OR Prior resection without adjuvant therapy with local regional failure Positive microscopic margin on resection of all gross disease allowed provided no metastatic disease No positive malignant cytology of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum No biopsy proven tumor invasion of the tracheobronchial tree or tracheoesophageal fistula PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% OR ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL No known Gilbert's disease Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL No hypercalcemia Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No uncontrolled hypertension Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other severe concurrent conditions (e.g., severe uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled infections, or cerebral vascular disease) No other malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No history of seizure disorder currently receiving phenytoin, phenobarbital, or other antiepileptic medication No other concurrent medical or psychiatric condition or disease that would preclude study entry PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for esophageal cancer including adjuvant chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for esophageal cancer including adjuvant radiotherapy No prior mantle, chest, pelvic, or hemibody radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No concurrent prochlorperazine on day of irinotecan administration