Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic or incurable, locally
advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus Measurable disease outside of a
previously radiated field required

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1500/mm3 Platelet count
at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin normal SGOT no greater than 2 times upper limit of
normal Renal: Creatinine normal Cardiovascular: No congestive heart failure or angina
pectoris, even if medically controlled No prior myocardial infarction within the past year
No clinically significant conduction system abnormalities, such as 2nd or 3rd degree heart
block or bundle branch block Pulmonary: Not specified Other: Not pregnant or nursing
Fertile patients must use effective contraception No active infections or medical
illnesses that are uncontrolled No second malignancy other than previously treated
nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix or a prior malignancy from
which patient has been disease free for past 3 years Caloric intake greater than 1500
calories/day Fluid intake greater than 1500 mL/day

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior
radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified