OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the ability of amifostine to facilitate increased dose escalation of gemcitabine and cisplatin. II. Compare the dose limiting toxicities of gemcitabine and cisplatin administered with and without amifostine in these patients. III. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine and cisplatin administered with amifostine in these patients. IV. Determine whether synergy is produced by administering gemcitabine and cisplatin on the same day.