Cisplatin and ZD1839 + Re-Irradiation in Recurrent Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck

Inclusion Criteria:- Patients must have pathologically confirmed recurrence (reappearance of previously cleared) squamous cell cancer primary in the upper aerodigestive tract or a second squamous cell primary (excluding nasopharynx or salivary gland tumors). Patients may have experienced more than one recurrence as long as the first recurrence occurred greater than or equal to 6 months following the end of the prior RT.

* The recurrence or second primary must have defined bi- or uni-dimensional measurements.
* Recurrence or second primary must be confined to the head and neck above the clavicles (loco-regional recurrence).
* The patient must not be a candidate for complete surgical resection. The previous irradiation must not exceed a maximum of 75 Gy.
* The entire tumor volume must be included in a treatment field that limits the total spinal cord dose to 50 Gy (prior RT and anticipated RT).
* Patients must be at least 6 months from prior radiation therapy.
* Patients may have received prior chemotherapy as a component of their primary treatment, but not for recurrent disease.
* Zubrod performance status 0-1.
* Granulocytes greater than or equal to 1500/mm3, platelets greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3, serum bilirubin less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dl, creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 mg/dl within 2 weeks prior to registration.
* LFT's less than or equal to 2 x normal (SGOT/SGPT/Alkaline Phosphatase). If greater than 2 x normal, liver ultrasound or CT is required to exclude metastases. If negative for metastases, patients are eligible.
* Must be able to submit previous radiation records, including simulation and portal films, in order to assure that cord tolerance is not exceeded.
* Patients must sign a study-specific informed consent form prior to study entry. Exclusion Criteria:- Primary in the nasopharynx or the salivary gland.
* Intercurrent medical illnesses which would impair patient tolerance to therapy or limit survival.
* A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to ZD1839 or other agents used in study.
* Pregnant and nursing women are excluded because of the potential teratogenic effects and potential unknown effects on nursing newborns.