OBJECTIVES: I. Estimate the maximum tolerated dose and recommend a phase II dose for paclitaxel (TAX) when administered as a 96-hour intravenous infusion with a weekly fixed dose of intravenous cisplatin (CDDP) during concurrent radiotherapy for patients with localized esophageal cancer. II. Estimate the response rate of patients treated with 2 courses of TAX/CDDP induction chemotherapy and the complete response rate of patients treated with TAX/CDDP and concurrent radiotherapy. III. Describe the toxic effects of TAX/CDDP prior to and during radiotherapy. IV. Describe the pharmacokinetics of TAX as a continuous infusion (CI) over 96 hours. V. Evaluate, by flow cytometry, the ability of CI TAX to block esophageal cancer cells in the G2-M phase of the cell cycle.