OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to primary tumor site (oral cavity vs oropharynx vs hypopharynx vs larynx) and institution. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive docetaxel IV over 1 hour, immediately followed by cisplatin IV over 1 hour on day 1 and fluorouracil (5-FU) IV as a continuous infusion on days 1-5. Arm II: Patients receive cisplatin IV over 1 hour on day 1 followed by 5-FU IV as a continuous infusion on days 1-5. Treatment continues every 3 weeks for 4 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients receive radiotherapy following chemotherapy within 3-6 weeks of last course. Radiotherapy is administered 5 days a week for up to 7 weeks. Quality of life is assessed before treatment, at courses 2 and 4, and at 6 and 9 months. Patients are followed every 3 months for the first 2 years and then every 6 months until death.