Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon
or rectum Bidimensionally measurable lesions Sentinel lesions outside the field of any
prior radiation therapy No confirmed or suspected brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-1 Life expectancy:
At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at
least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no
greater than 1.5 mg/dL Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No active
congestive heart failure No uncontrolled angina At least 6 months since prior myocardial
infarction No uncontrolled hypertension Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy
test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No concurrent serious infection No
other malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in
situ of the cervix No overt psychosis or mental disability No life threatening illness
(unrelated to tumor)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent biologic therapy Chemotherapy:
No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease At least 6 months since prior adjuvant
chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified
Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiation therapy
and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 4 weeks since prior major
surgery and recovered No concurrent surgery Other: At least 28 days since prior
administration of any investigational drug No other concurrent anticancer therapy