Erlotinib Hydrochloride and Radiation Therapy in Stage III-IV Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed locally advanced (stage III or IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck without distant metastatic disease, who are not candidates or have declined definitive surgical resection or for administration of standard chemotherapy during radiation therapy because of any of the following reasons: advanced age (\>= 70 years); poor ECOG performance status (2 or 3); significant comorbidities, as reflected by a Charlson comorbidity index score of \>= 3; abnormal hematopoietic, hepatic or renal function; patient's decision after applicable standard treatment options have been offered and declined by patient * No prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or investigational antitumor drug * Measurable disease within 4 weeks prior to registration according to the recommended RECIST response criteria * Life expectancy of greater than 12 weeks * Patients must have normal hepatic function or well compensated liver disease as defined by the Child-Pugh classification of severity of liver disease; patients with hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than upper limit of normal \[ULN\] or well-compensated disease \[Child-Pugh class A\] enrolled in the trial will be closely monitored, especially those with total bilirubin \> 3 times ULN; dosage modifications (therapy interruption or discontinuation) may be necessary for severe changes in liver function; patient management will follow the FDA-approved labeli…