Erlotinib and Green Tea Extract (Polyphenon® E) in Preventing Cancer Recurrence in Former Smokers Who Have Undergone Surgery for Bladder Cancer

RATIONALE: Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth. Green tea extract (Polyphenon® E) contains certain ingredients that may slow the growth of tumor cells and prevent the recurrence of cancer. Giving erlotinib or green tea extract after surgery may kill any remaining tumor cells and may prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying how well giving erlotinib together with green tea extract works in preventing cancer recurrence in former smokers who have undergone surgery for bladder cancer.