PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: At least 1 month since prior investigational agents At least 72 hours since prior anticoagulant therapy, cholesterol-lowering agents (e.g., lovastatin), high dosage vitamins, or antioxidants No concurrent anticoagulants except for the sole purpose of central line patency maintenance No other concurrent investigational agents