Nab-Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, and Cetuximab With Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation and cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation may make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Giving radiation therapy and paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation together with cisplatin and cetuximab may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation when given together with cisplatin, cetuximab, and radiation therapy to see how well they work in treating patients with locally advanced stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer.