Phase Ib Study of Erlotinib Prior to Surgery in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with histologically confirmed cancer of the head and neck. Patients with salivary gland tumors and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin are also eligible. (Note: Any patient with a diagnosis of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and determined to be surgically resectable will be considered for eligibility. These patients are typically seen in the Head \& Neck surgery clinic and decisions for study consideration will be based on consultations with the department of Head \& Neck surgery.) * The patient must have biopsy-accessible disease. * Patients must be surgical candidates (either definitive or palliative setting). * Patients may have received prior therapy including cytotoxic chemotherapy (e.g. platinum drugs and taxanes) and radiation therapy. * Patients must have a performance score (ECOG) of 0-2. * Patients should have adequate bone marrow function, as defined by peripheral granulocyte count of \>/= 1,000/mm³, and a platelet count of \>/= 50,000/mm³.Patients must have adequate liver function with a bilirubin \</= 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) must be \</= 2 x the ULN and alkaline phosphatase must be \</= 2 x ULN. * Patients should have adequate renal function (serum creatinine \</= 1.5 x ULN). * Age \>/= 18 years * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document indicating that they are aware of the investigat…