OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to Zubrod performance status (0 vs 1) and primary site of disease (oral cavity/hypopharynx vs larynx vs oropharynx, HPV+ (human papillomavirus positive) vs oropharynx, HPV- (human papillomavirus negative)). Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.