Docetaxel Plus Carboplatin in Treating Patients With Advanced Cancer of the Esophagus

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