3-AP Plus Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus or Gastroesophageal Junction

Inclusion Criteria:

Histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction

Metastatic or recurrent disease

Measurable disease

At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion ≥ 20 mm by conventional techniques OR ≥ 10 mm by spiral CT scan
Outside prior irradiation port
No known brain metastases
Performance status - ECOG 0-2
Performance status - Karnofsky 50-100%
More than 6 months
Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm^3
WBC ≥ 3,000/mm ^3
Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3
AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 times upper limit of normal
Bilirubin normal
Creatine normal
Creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min
No prior myocardial infarction
No unstable angina
No cardiac arrhythmia
No uncontrolled congestive heart failure
No pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen
Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after study participation
No glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (for patients of African, Asian, or Mediterranean origin)
No other concurrent uncontrolled illness
No active or ongoing infection
No active second malignancy
No prior allergic reaction to compounds of similar chemical or biological composition to 3-AP or other study agents
No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance
At least 1 year since prior platinum-derivative agents
No prior chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent esophageal cancer
See Disease Characteristics
At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered
No other concurrent anticancer therapy
No other concurrent investigational agents
No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients