DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven metastatic, locally recurrent, or unresectable squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus The bulk of the tumor must involve the esophagus or gastroesophageal (GE) junction (for tumors extending between the GE junction into the proximal stomach) Gastric cancers with only minor GE junction or distal esophagus involvement are not eligible Measurable or evaluable disease No prior treatment for metastatic disease No brain metastases No osseous metastases as only site of disease