Hepatic Arterial Infusion With Floxuridine and Dexamethasone Combined With Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Colorectal Cancer That Has Spread to the Liver

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the liver * Previously treated or untreated disease * No clinical or radiographic evidence of extrahepatic disease * Primary tumor may be present at study registration provided it is not obstructing the intestinal lumen or is significantly bleeding * If present, the primary tumor will be resected at the time of pump placement * Must have inoperable liver metastases confirmed by 2-3 hepatobiliary surgeons and the assigned radiologist * Liver metastases \< 70% of the liver parenchyma * Inoperable liver metastases is defined by one of the following: * More than 6 metastases in a single lobe with one lesion ≥ 5 cm * At least 6 metastases distributed diffusely in both lobes of the liver * When a margin-negative resection would require resection of all three hepatic veins, both portal veins, or the retrohepatic vena cava * Requires a resection that leaves \< 2 hepatic segments (not including the caudate lobe) behind with adequate arterial or portal inflow, venous outflow, and biliary drainage * No ascites or hepatic encephalopathy * No history of primary CNS tumors PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Karnofsky performance status 60-100% * WBC ≥ 3,000/mm\^3 * ANC ≥ 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm\^3 * INR \< 1.5 * Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL * Creatinine ≤ 1.5 mg/dL * Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients m…