Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, Leucovorin, and Cisplatin as First-Line Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed esophageal cancer Metastatic disease At least 1 unidimensionally measurable metastatic lesion At least 10 mm by spiral scanner OR 20 mm by sequential scanner Outside the field of prior radiotherapy No known symptomatic brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 to 75 Performance status ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy At least 3 months Hematopoietic Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm^3 Hepatic Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times normal Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 3 times normal (5 times normal if liver metastases are present) SGOT and SGPT ≤ 3 times normal Renal Creatinine ≤ 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No uncontrolled angina Other Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception 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 psychological, social, familial, or geographical condition that would preclude study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Not specified Chemotherapy More than 6 months since prior fluorouracil and/or cisplatin No other prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy See Disease Characteristics More than 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery More than 4 weeks since prior surgery Other No concurrent participation in another clinical study