Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Leucovorin Calcium, and Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as fluorouracil, cisplatin, and leucovorin calcium, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Giving more than one drug (combination chemotherapy) together with cetuximab before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed. Giving these drugs after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying the side effects of giving fluorouracil, cisplatin, and leucovorin calcium together with cetuximab and to see how well they work in treating patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction.