PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy for carcinoma of the pancreas Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for carcinoma of the pancreas No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No prior endocrine therapy for carcinoma of the pancreas No concurrent hormone therapy (except for nondisease-related conditions) Radiotherapy: No prior radiation therapy for carcinoma of the pancreas No prior abdominal radiation therapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics No prior surgery for carcinoma of the pancreas