DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic or recurrent adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction Bidimensionally measurable or evaluable disease Mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes assessed by CT or MRI scan must be at least 2 cm in diameter to be considered measurable Must not be curable with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy No brain metastases No osseous metastasis as only site of disease