S0618 E7389 in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVES: * Evaluate the response probability (confirmed, complete, and partial responses) in patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with E7389. * Estimate progression-free and overall survival probability in these patients. * Evaluate the qualitative and quantitative toxicities of this treatment regimen. OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients receive E7389 IV on days 1 and 8. Courses repeat every 21 days in the absence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed periodically for up to 3 years. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 40 patients will be accrued for this study.