DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic, locally advanced, or recurrent cancer of the liver (hepatoma), bile duct, or gallbladder (cholangiocarcinoma) Bidimensionally measurable disease The following are not considered measurable lesions: Lesions seen on colonoscopic examination or barium studies Bone metastases CNS lesions CEA, CA19-9, or AFP levels Ascites No CNS disease only No symptomatic brain metastases