Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage II or stage III
pancreatic adenocarcinoma that is considered resectable Lesions should be amenable to
surgery with curative intent Bidimensionally measurable or evaluable disease No evidence
of metastatic disease No clinically detectable third space fluid collections (e.g.,
ascites or effusions)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3
Hemoglobin at least 9.5 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 4 times upper limit of
normal (ULN) PTT no greater than 1.5 times control (unless on anticoagulants) Renal:
Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients
must use effective contraception No concurrent serious systemic disorders incompatible
with study No active infection No second primary malignancy, previously untreated with
curative intent or presently active, that would preclude curative resection of the
pancreas

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No
prior radiotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: At
least 1 month since prior investigational agents At least 72 hours since prior
anticoagulant therapy, cholesterol-lowering agents (e.g., lovastatin), high dosage
vitamins, or antioxidants No concurrent anticoagulants except for the sole purpose of
central line patency maintenance No other concurrent investigational agents