Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cancer of the Esophagus

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus Previously untreated Locally advanced unresectable or metastatic disease More than 50% of tumor must involve esophagus or gastroesophageal (GE) junction if tumor extends below the GE junction into the proximal stomach At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan The following are not considered measurable disease: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural/pericardial effusions Lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques Cystic lesions Tumor lesions in previously irradiated areas No carcinomatous meningitis or untreated brain metastases Brain metastases allowed if asymptomatic and patient is on stable or tapering dose of steroids Large pleural effusions must have been previously drained and sclerosed or otherwise controlled Small, stable, asymptomatic pleural effusions allowed Dysphagia allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 WBC at least 3,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL AST no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (5 times ULN if liver metastases present) No known Gilbert's disease Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Calcium less than 12.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No history of significant cardiovascular disease No inadequately controlled hypertension No unstable angina No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No ventricular cardiac arrhythmias requiring medication No history or treatment for congestive heart failure Pulmonary: No interstitial pneumonia No fibroid lung Other: No serious active infection No uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (random blood sugar at least 300 mg) No peripheral neuropathy grade 2 or greater No other malignancy within the past 3 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or any other malignancy that does not carry a worse prognosis than advanced esophageal cancer No other serious underlying medical condition that would preclude study No other concurrent disease that would preclude study No psychiatric illness or other significant mental impairment that would preclude study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior radiotherapy to the pelvis Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Not specified Other: No concurrent phenytoin or phenobarbital