DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent, refractory, or second primary squamous cell cancer of the head and neck that is incurable with surgery or radiotherapy Any N, Any M, single or multiple tumor(s) Locally accessible, discrete tumor(s) by CT or MRI scan Must be considered incurable with surgery or radiotherapy, for example: Distant disease (e.g., lung and/or liver metastases) OR Cervical disease fixed to surrounding structures (e.g., carotid artery or prevertebral fascia) OR Metastases in the site of prior radiotherapy OR Not suitable for anesthesia or reconstructive surgery OR Multiple cutaneous metastases