Objectives:~1. To assess the MTD of low-dose fractionated radiation in combination with Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in the relapsed setting.~Secondary Objectives:~To assess quantitative toxicities in this group of patients treated with this regimen.~To assess response rate in this group of patients treated with this regimen~To investigate in an exploratory manner, the association of tumor markers p53, p21waf1/cip1, bcl-xL, bcl-2 and bax (evaluated by immunohistochemistry) with response rate using pre- and post-treatment biopsies.~This study seeks to establish the safety of gemcitabine, paclitaxel and low-dose radiation in recurrent, metastatic head and neck cancer through a two-stage dose escalation study, first with Gemcitabine dose escalation and then with low-dose radiation escalation.~Treatment Schedule:~Treatment will be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis.~Gemcitabine:2000 to 3000mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 15 every 28 days over 30-60 minutes.~Paclitaxel: 150 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 15 every 28 days over 60 minutes.~Low Dose Radiation: 50-80 cGy twice daily on days 1, 2, 15, & 16 every 28 days at least 4 hours apart.
This study seeks to establish the safety of gemcitabine, paclitaxel and low-dose radiation in recurrent, metastatic head and neck cancer through a two-stage dose escalation study, first with Gemcitabine dose escalation and then with low-dose radiation escalation.~Treatment Schedule~Treatment will be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis.~Gemcitabine:2000 to 3000mg/m2 IV (in the vein) on days 1 and 15 every 28 days over 30-60 minutes.~Paclitaxel: 150 mg/m2 IV(in the vein)on days 1 and 15 every 28 days over 60 minutes.~Low Dose Radiation: 50-80 cGy twice daily on days 1, 2, 15, & 16 every 28 days at least 4 hours apart.