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