S0217, Adjuvant Cisplatin and Docetaxel After Complete Resection Stage III or IV Head and Neck Cancer

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and docetaxel, work in different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Cisplatin and docetaxel may make the tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Giving chemoradiotherapy after surgery may kill any remaining tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well adjuvant chemoradiotherapy using cisplatin and docetaxel works in treating patients with completely resected stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer.