DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas that is considered inoperable Measurable disease with at least 1 lesion measuring at least 2 cm in widest diameter identifiable on CT or MRI scan

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception during and for 6 months after study No underlying disease state associated with active bleeding No active infection requiring therapy No other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent biologic therapy for pancreatic cancer Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer except for fluorouracil and/or gemcitabine administered as a radiosensitizer No other concurrent chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed provided indicator lesions not within prior radiation port Recovered from toxicity No concurrent radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No concurrent anticoagulation therapy with heparin No other concurrent approved or experimental cancer therapy