DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed nonmetastatic, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma No evidence of metastatic disease in the major viscera and no peritoneal seeding Residual disease after resection (R-1 or -2 micro- and macroscopic residual) eligible if measurable disease on the post operative CT or MRI scan Recurrent disease following radical surgery is eligible All malignant disease must be encompassable within a single irradiation field Must be a radiographically assessable disease CT with 5 mm cuts or spiral CT

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Granulocyte count at least 1,800/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 mg/dL Biliary system stented Renal: Creatinine less than 3.0 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 40 mL/min Other: If patients have biliary or gastroduodenal obstruction, they must have drainage prior to starting chemoradiation Oral intake of at least 1,500 calories per day No significant infection or other coexistent medical condition

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior paclitaxel At least 4 weeks since prior gemcitabine No other prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to the planned field Surgery: See Disease Characteristics