DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed esophageal or non-small cell lung carcinoma Esophageal cancer: Biopsy proven esophageal carcinoma considered acceptable for curative esophageal resection Lung cancer: Stages IA-IIIB, T(any)N(any)M0 disease without pleural effusion, which constitutes locally advanced lung cancer Must be candidates for induction chemotherapy followed by surgical resection