Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed carcinoma of the
esophagus or gastric cardia Stage IV or recurrent Bidimensionally measurable disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky
50-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC greater than 3,000/mm3 Absolute
neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin
greater than 10 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin normal SGOT less than 2 times upper limit of
normal (ULN) Renal: BUN less than 1.5 times ULN Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR
Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min Cardiovascular: No congestive heart failure No
unstable angina pectoris No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months Other: Not
pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6
months after study No allergy to platinum compounds or antiemetics appropriate for study
No uncontrolled concurrent illness No active infection No clinical evidence of peripheral
neuropathy by physical exam or history

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent colony-stimulating factors
during the first course of study Chemotherapy: More than 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy
No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for carcinoma of the esophagus or gastric cardia
No prior fluorouracil Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks
since prior radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent investigational
agents No concurrent antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients No other concurrent
anticancer agents