OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the safety and toxicity of motexafin gadolinium (PCI-0120) when administered concurrently with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic or biliary tree tumors. II. Assess the pharmacokinetics of this regimen in these patients. III. Assess tumor uptake of PCI-0120 (by MRI signal characteristics) in these patients. IV. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of PCI-0120 in these patients. V. Determine the objective response (by radiologic criteria) in patients treated with this regimen.