Neoadjuvant Cetuximab, Fluorouracil, and Pelvic Irradiation in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy such as fluorouracil 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. Giving cetuximab with fluorouracil and radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells.