Imatinib Mesylate and Gemcitabine in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced, Metastatic, or Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer

RATIONALE: Imatinib mesylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving imatinib mesylate together with gemcitabine may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of giving imatinib mesylate together with gemcitabine and to see how well they work in treating patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent pancreatic cancer.