Erlotinib Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Advanced Esophageal Cancer or Stomach Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

Histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma, squamous cell or small cell carcinoma, or carcinoma not otherwise specified of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction

Metastatic or surgically unresectable disease

Measurable disease outside of primary tumor

At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR at least 10 mm by spiral computed tomography (CT) scan
No bone metastases, abnormal radionuclide bone scans, or pleural effusions as only site of measurable disease
No known brain metastases or carcinomatous meningitis
Must consent to having tumor tissue tested for epidermal growth factor receptor status
Performance status-Karnofsky 70-100%
Life expectancy of greater than 3 months
Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3
Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) no greater than 2 times ULN
Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL
Calcium no greater than 12 mg/dL
No symptomatic hypercalcemia
No symptomatic congestive heart failure
No unstable angina pectoris
No ventricular arrhythmia
No other malignancy within the past 3 years except adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix, superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, or basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer
No other uncontrolled concurrent illness
No ongoing or active infection
No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study participation
No other concurrent disease that would preclude study participation
Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective contraception
No prior cetuximab
No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced or metastatic disease
One prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting (in combination with prior surgery or radiotherapy) allowed provided it was administered prior to treatment for advanced or metastatic disease
At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy
No concurrent investigational or commercial chemotherapy
At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy
No prior erlotinib-related compounds or compounds of similar biologic or chemical components
No prior EGFR-targeting compounds (e.g., gefitinib)
No other concurrent investigational agents
No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients