Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and
neck Metastatic disease at diagnosis OR Persistent, metastatic or recurrent disease
following surgery and/or radiotherapy No newly diagnosed nonmetastatic disease
Bidimensionally measurable disease Demonstrated progressive disease if only measurable
site is within a previous radiotherapy port

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 OR Absolute neutrophil count at least
1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times
upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT or SGPT no greater than 1.5 times ULN Alkaline
phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Calcium no greater than upper limit of
normal (ULN) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 60
mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No
other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or
squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or any adequately
treated stage I or II cancer that is currently in complete remission No neuropathy sensory
greater than grade 1 No history of hypersensitivity reaction to Polysorbate 80

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent biologic therapy Chemotherapy:
No prior carboplatin or cisplatin No prior chemotherapy for recurrent disease No other
concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy (except oral
contraceptives or treatment for osteoporosis) Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At
least 28 days since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery:
See Disease Characteristics At least 28 days since prior surgery and recovered