Docetaxel and Epirubicin as First-Line Therapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the stomach Locally advanced or metastatic disease Measurable disease At least 1 unidimensionally measurable target lesion at least 2 cm in diameter No known symptomatic brain metastases No bone metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 to 75 Performance status ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy At least 3 months Hematopoietic Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic Bilirubin less than 2 times normal AST and ALT no greater than 2.5 times normal Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times normal Renal Creatinine less than 1.6 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Cardiovascular No serious cardiac failure within the past 12 months No myocardial infarction within the past 12 months No cardiac insufficiency No angina Other Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No uncontrolled serious infection No significant brain or psychiatric disorders No intolerance to cortisone or polysorbate 80 No other prior malignancy except curatively treated basal cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No other illness or medical condition that would preclude study participation No peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 2 PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Not specified Chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy Not specified Surgery Not specified Other More than 21 days since prior participation in another clinical study No other concurrent experimental medication