OBJECTIVES: I. Estimate the objective response rate of Ad5CMV-p53 in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. II. Evaluate the duration of response, time to disease progression, and overall survival of these patients after this treatment. III. Evaluate the effectiveness of Ad5CMV-p53 in reducing cancer morbidity (pain assessment, analgesic consumption, and Karnofsky performance status). IV. Assess the quality of life of these patients receiving this treatment.