Treatment of Radiation and Cisplatin Induced Toxicities with Tempol

This trial is testing a topical antioxidant drug called Tempol to see if it can reduce painful side effects — particularly mouth sores (mucositis) and dry mouth — caused by radiation and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients being treated for head and neck cancer. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - You are scheduled to receive radiation (or proton therapy) with curative intent and are also receiving cisplatin chemotherapy - Your overall health and organ function (blood counts, liver, kidneys) are within acceptable ranges - Your life expectancy is at least 6 months - You are in good enough health to tolerate treatment (ECOG ≤2) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had prior radiation to the head and neck - You have an active serious infection that requires treatment - You are using specific other mouth/mucositis medications (such as mugard, allopurinol rinses, or prostaglandins) - You have HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C - You have insulin-dependent diabetes - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You weigh less than 77 lbs. (35 kg) - You have a known allergy to platinum-based drugs Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.