Erlotinib, Docetaxel, and Radiation Therapy in Stage III or Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck * Stage III or IV disease * No distant metastatic disease * Measurable disease (according to RECIST) * No salivary gland and paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma * No known brain metastases or direct cerebral invasion by tumor * Intracranial extension (without cerebral involvement) may be allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * ECOG performance status (PS) 0-2 OR Karnofsky PS 60-100% * Life expectancy \> 12 weeks * ANC ≥ 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL * Total bilirubin normal * Alkaline phosphatase AND AST and ALT meeting the following criteria: * Alkaline phosphatase normal AND AST and ALT ≤ 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2.5 times ULN AND AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 5 times ULN AND AST and ALT normal * Creatinine normal OR creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min * No clinically significant heart disease including any of the following: * NYHA class III or IV heart disease * Significant arrhythmias requiring medication * Symptomatic coronary artery disease * Myocardial infarction within the previous six months * Second- or third-degree heart block or bundle-branch block * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for at least 3 months after completion of study thera…