Treatment of Head & Neck Cancer With Chemotherapy and Radiation

In this trial, patients will receive induction treatment with combination chemotherapy(paclitaxel/carboplatin/infusional 5FU) plus bevacizumab. After 6 weeks of treatment, patients will be reevaluated and will then receive concurrent radiation therapy, chemotherapy (weekly paclitaxel),bevacizumab, and erlotinib.

Induction Treatment:

Paclitaxel 200mg/m2 by vein over 1-3 hours on Day 1 & Day 22 Carboplatin AUC 6.0 by vein over 1 hour on Days 1 and 22 Bevacizumab 15mg/kg by vein over 60-90 minutes on Days 1 and 22 5-FU 200mg/m2 as a 24 hour continuous infusion via pump on Days 1 through 43.

Combined Modality Treatment:

Radiation therapy is given daily, Monday through Friday for approximately 7 weeks. Erlotinib 150mg by mouth daily during the entire course of radiation (approximately 7 weeks) Paclitaxel 50mg/m2 by vein over 1-hour weekly for 6 weeks beginning Day 1 of radiation therapy Bevacizumab 15mg/kg by vein over 30-90 minutes on Days 50 and 71 at the same time of radiation therapy

Inclusion criteria

• Clinically confirmed head & neck cancer
• Considered low cure rate with local therapy
• No prior treatment for this cancer
• Able to be up & about and perform self care
• Adequate renal and liver function
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• All patients will need an indwelling central venous access catheter
• Must be able to give written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Active cancer treatment in the last 5 years
• Pregnant or lactating women
• History of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, or acute myocardial infarction within the past 6 months or any other serious cardiovascular disease
• History of neurological disease
• Recent history of blood in the sputum or vomitus
• Non-healing wounds, ulcer or long bone fractures
• History of bleeding problems or coagulation problems
• History of abdominal fistula, gastrointestinal perforation or intrabdominal abscess within 6 months
• History of uncontrolled hypertension
• Symptomatic peripheral vascular disease

Please note: There are additional inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study center will determine if you meet all of the criteria. If you do not qualify for the trial, study personnel will explain the reasons. If you do qualify, study personnel will explain the trial in detail and answer any questions you may have. You can then decide if you wish to participate.