Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of 1 of the following: Previously irradiated, locally
recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) or head and neck
skin/appendages with no distant metastases New second or subsequent primary SCCHN in a
previously irradiated field with no distant metastases Salivary gland malignancy or other
non-squamous cell primary head and neck cancer Previously irradiated, locally recurrent
carcinoma of the lung No clinical evidence of symptomatic bone or brain metastases
requiring radiotherapy No leptomeningeal metastases requiring intrathecal therapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count
at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 3
times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine
clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No active, uncontrolled congestive heart
failure or arrhythmia within the past 6 months Other: No pre-existing neuropathy grade 2
or greater interfering with daily activities No prior allergy to drugs using Cremophor EL
No hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived proteins No significant concurrent medical or
psychiatric disorder that would preclude study No other condition that would preclude
study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective
contraception during and for at least 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks
since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease
Characteristics At least 3 months since prior radiotherapy Prior or concurrent cumulative
radiotherapy dose to spinal cord no greater than 5,000 cGy Surgery: Not specified Other:
Concurrent beta-blockers, digitalis derivatives, or calcium-channel blocking agents
allowed if cardiac conditions are stable