DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven metastatic or inoperable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma At least 1 target lesion accurately measurable in at least 1 dimension Longest diameter at least 20 mm with conventional techniques or at least 10 mm with spiral CT scan No symptomatic brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase and transaminases no greater than 2.5 times ULN (no greater than 5 times ULN for liver metastases) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.7 mg/dL Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: Normal cardiac function No history of ischemic heart disease No history of congestive heart failure within the past 6 months Normal 12 lead electrocardiogram Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other prior or concurrent malignancy, except: Cone biopsied carcinoma of the cervix Adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer No unstable systemic disease No active uncontrolled infection No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that would preclude study compliance

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF) No concurrent prophylactic growth factors Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic or advanced disease Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Concurrent radiotherapy allowed provided not all target lesions are in irradiated field Surgery: At least 2 weeks since prior major surgery Other: No other concurrent anticancer agents No other concurrent investigational therapy