RATIONALE: Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth. Green tea extract (Polyphenon® E) contains certain ingredients that may slow the growth of tumor cells and prevent the recurrence of cancer. Giving erlotinib or green tea extract after surgery may kill any remaining tumor cells and may prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying how well giving erlotinib together with green tea extract works in preventing cancer recurrence in former smokers who have undergone surgery for bladder cancer.
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Evaluate the effects of a daily oral dose of polyphenon E, erlotinib, or placebo on subjects who are former smokers with a history of superficial bladder cancer on the bladder cancer recurrence rate at two years of any stage or grade of bladder cancer.
Timeframe: 2 years