OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the objective tumor response rate in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus, esophagogastric junction, and gastric cardia treated with docetaxel and irinotecan. II. Determine time to progression and overall survival of patients treated treated with this regimen. III. Determine the toxic effects of this regimen in these patients. IV. Assess treatment response in these patients by determining the prevalence of dysphagia, anorexia, and swallowing ability at diagnosis and during treatment with this regimen.