Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and
neck of the following sites: Oral cavity Oropharynx Hypopharynx (only if ineligible for
protocol EORTC-24891) Larynx T3-4, any N, M0 or any T, N2-3, M0 disease (UICC staging)
resected with curative intent T3, N0 carcinoma of the larynx with suitable microscopically
clear margins is ineligible At least one of the following high-risk characteristics
required: Histopathologically positive surgical margins No gross residual disease
Perineural involvement Extranodal spread of disease Oral cavity or oropharyngeal lesions
with metastatic nodes at level 4 or 5 Vascular embolisms in the neck No metastases at
diagnosis No known CNS disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 70 Performance status: WHO 0-2 Hematopoietic: WBC at
least 4,000 Platelets at least 100,000 Hemoglobin normal (at least 6.8 mmoles/liter)
Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times normal Other liver function tests no greater
than 2 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.3 mg/dL (120 micromoles/liter)
Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Other: No active, uncontrolled infection No
requirement for antibiotics that might interfere with platinum excretion No requirement
for drugs affecting bone marrow function (e.g., lithium, corticosteroids) No medical
condition precluding postoperative chemotherapy No prior or concurrent malignancy other
than nonmelanomatous skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior locoregional
radiotherapy to the head and neck Surgery: Excision with curative intent required