RATIONALE: Patient abstract not available

PURPOSE: Patient abstract not available

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether hyperfractionation and/or accelerated fractionation (split-course or with a concomitant boost) improves the locoregional control rate over standard fractionation radiotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. II. Determine the disease-free survival and overall survival of these patients treated with different radiotherapy fractionation schemes. III. Determine the acute and late toxicities of each fractionation schedule. IV. Compare the quality of life on the two regimens.

OUTLINE: Randomized study. Arm I: Radiotherapy. Irradiation of primary tumor and involved and at-risk nodal areas using linear accelerators with photon energies of 1.25-6.0 MV (dual energy arrangements may also use a beam greater than 6.0 MV), electrons of 4-25 MV, or Co60. Standard fractionation. Arm II: Radiotherapy. Targets and equipment as in Arm I. Hyperfractionation. Arm III: Radiotherapy. Targets and equipment as in Arm I. Accelerated split-course hyperfractionation. Arm IV: Radiotherapy. Targets and equipment as in Arm I. Accelerated fractionation with concomitant boost.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 1,080 patients (270/arm) will be accrued over 5.75 years. If excessive toxicity is noted in any arm after entry of 324 and 634 patients, that arm may be closed.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including lymphoepithelioma and anaplastic carcinoma Biopsy from the primary or regional nodes acceptable No adenocarcinomas The following stages and sites are eligible: Stage III/IV oral cavity, including: Anterior 2/3 of the tongue Buccal mucosa Floor of mouth Hard palate Gingiva Retromolar trigone Stage III/IV oropharynx, including: Tonsil and pillars Faucial arch and soft palate Posterolateral pharyngeal walls Stage II/III/IV base of the tongue and hypopharynx Stage III/IV supraglottic larynx, including: Ventricular band Arytenoid Supra- and infrahyoid epiglottis Aryepiglottic fold (tumors at glottic and subglottic sites excluded) Nonpalpable nodes detected only on CT or MRI must be at least 1.0 cm in diameter or contain necrosis to prove N+ disease No metastasis below the clavicle clinically or radiologically

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: At least 18 Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Medically able to withstand radiotherapy No second malignancy within 5 years except nonmelanomatous skin cancer Follow-up by participating radiotherapist required

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to head and neck No planned combined external beam and interstitial boost irradiation Surgery: No prior surgery (other than biopsy) No planned combined pre- or postoperative programs Radical neck dissections allowed if lymph nodes are greater than 3 cm prior to radiotherapy or involvement persists after treatment Resection of persistent disease at the primary site may be performed 6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy