OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the response rate to preoperative induction paclitaxel/cisplatin followed by concurrent paclitaxel/cisplatin and radiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer. II. Determine the toxic effects, including surgical morbidity and mortality, and patient survival after this combination therapy. III. Monitor the quality of life of patients receiving this combination therapy. IV. Determine c Jun oncogene and thymidylate synthase expression and p53 mutation before and after this combination therapy.