Everolimus, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

RATIONALE: Everolimus may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of giving everolimus together with carboplatin and paclitaxel in treating patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.