Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Esophageal Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or type 1 or 2 tumors of the gastroesophageal junction * Stage IIB or greater by spiral or multi-slice CT scan and endoscopic ultrasound * Amenable to primary surgery with curative intent * No para-aortic/celiac lymphadenopathy greater than 1 cm on CT scan and/or greater than 6 mm on endoscopic ultrasound * No disease invading the airways, aorta, pericardium, or lung * No liver, lung, or other distant metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * Not specified Performance status: * WHO 0-1 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * WBC greater than 3,000/mm3 * Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: * Liver function tests no greater than 1.5 times normal Renal: * Glomerular filtration rate greater than 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: * Ejection fraction greater than 50% OR * Normal echocardiograph Pulmonary: * FEV1 greater than 1.5 L Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * No prior primary malignancy * No significant medical condition that would preclude study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * Not specified Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * Not specified Surgery: * See Disease Characteristics