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