Purpose

Docetaxel and cetuximab are FDA-approved for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Cisplatin and carboplatin, while not FDA-approved for SCCHN, have been used as standard of care in SCCHN patients in combination with other drugs. This study evaluates if weekly cisplatin and docetaxel, in combination with cetuximab, is effective in palliative treatment of patients with SCCHN. These drugs will be given intravenously weekly, repeated 3 of every 4 weeks until evidence of disease progression or unacceptable adverse events.