Porfimer Sodium Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy With or Without Standard of Care Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects of interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) in treating patients with head and neck cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back. Interstitial photodynamic therapy uses a light-sensitive drug called porfimer sodium. This drug is activated by laser light delivered through special fibers into the tumor. In this study the doctors will evaluate the safety of I-PDT and determine the potentially effective light setting in this treatment.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the safety of porfimer sodium (Photofrin) mediated interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) in patients with locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC) . * To determine the recommended light irradiance dose for a future Phase 2 trial of Photofrin® mediated I-PDT in patients with locally advanced or recurrent HNC EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I . To access the objective tumor response rate OUTLINE: This is a phase I study . Patients receive porfimer sodium intravenously (IV) over 3-5 minutes and undergo I-PDT approximately 48 hours later. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up every 1-3 months for the first year, 2-6 months for 2nd year, and annually up to 5 years.