Randomized Amifostine For SCCHN

Inclusion Criteria * Histologically or cytologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Biopsy is preferred unless medically contraindicated. * Primary tumor sites eligible: oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx. Tumors of the nasal and paranasal cavities will also be included. Unknown primary SCC in the neck will also be eligible. * Stage 2, 3 or 4 disease without evidence of distant metastases verified by chest X-Ray, abdominal ultrasound or CT (in case of liver function test abnormalities); bone scan in case of local symptoms. * At least one uni- or bidimensionally measurable lesion at the start of all therapy (induction therapy ag well as chemoradiation). * No previous head and neck radiotherapy and no previous curative surgery for SCCHN (other than biopsy) are allowed at time of study entry. * Age ≥ 18 years. * WHO performance status of 0 or 1 (section 13, Appendix I) * No active alcohol addiction (as assessed by medical caregiver). * Life expectancy ≥ 12 weeks. * Signed informed consent prior to beginning protocol specific procedures. * Adequate bone marrow, hepatic and renal functions as evidenced by the following: * Hematology: * neutrophil count ≥ 2.0 x 10 9/1. * platelet count ≥ 100 x 10 9/1. * hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dl. * Hepatic function: * total bilinthin WNL. * ASAT (SGOT) and ALAT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 x 1JLN. * alkaline phosphatase ≤ 5 x ULN. * patients with ASAT or ALAT \> 1.5 x ULN associated with alkaline pho…