Phase II Study of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Combination With Split Course Concomitant Hyperfractionated Re-Irradiation in Patients With Recurrent Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck

Study start date: March 1, 2000

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven locally recurrent primary squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the head and neck or second primary SCC of the head and neck More than 1 prior recurrence allowed if the first recurrence occurred at least 6 months after completion of prior radiotherapy Disease must be confined to the head and neck (above the clavicles) No primary SCC of the nasopharynx or salivary gland Prior irradiation of 45-75 Gy to the majority (75% or greater) of tumor volume Entire tumor volume must be included in a treatment field that limits the total spinal cord dose (prior and anticipated) to 50 Gy Prior radiotherapy records, including simulation and portal films, available in order to assure that cord tolerance is not exceeded Measurable disease Ineligible for complete surgical resection No distant metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0 or 1 Life expectancy: No other concurrent illness that would limit survival Hematopoietic: Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) no greater than 2 times normal* Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2 times normal* * Greater than 2 times normal allowed if no metastases by liver ultrasound or CT scan Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other: No other invasive malignancy within the past 2 years except in situ malignancies (e.g., carcinoma in situ of the cervix, carcinoma in situ of the breast, or nonmelanoma skin cancer) No other concurrent illness that would impair tolerance to therapy No grade 2 or worse pre-existing peripheral sensory neuropathy No hypersensitivity to E. coli derived products Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Prior chemotherapy allowed as a component of the primary treatment No prior chemotherapy for recurrent disease At least 6 months since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 6 months since prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics