The role of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
Article
Perez, CA, Raez, LE, Santos, ES. (2011). The role of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
. 3(2), 25-31.
Perez, CA, Raez, LE, Santos, ES. (2011). The role of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
. 3(2), 25-31.
The addition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonists in the therapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck has been a major advance during the last decade in oncology. Since the successful results obtained with cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against the extracellular domain of the EGFR, in combination with radiation therapy, targeting this receptor has become an essential part of the therapeutic armamentarium for locally advanced disease, and its use has also been extended into the metastatic clinical setting. Because of its efficacy, tolerability, and safety profile, this novel MoAb is being studied as induction therapy in combination with conventional cytotoxic agents. Encouraging preliminary results using this approach have also awakened the interest of researchers in exploring in depth not only this signaling pathway in head and neck carcinogenesis but also other pathways, once we have realized that these type of cancers are also vulnerable to targeted therapies as it has been the case for other solid tumors. With regard to the EGFR, other MoAbs (eg, panitumomab, nimotuzumab, and zalutumumab) are currently under investigation. Thus far, promising clinical results and better toxicity profile for these agents open the possibility of increasing our therapeutic options for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the near future. Others agents also target the intracellular domain of this receptor such as the small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors; both reversible and irreversible inhibitors are also being studied as single agent or in combination for head and neck cancer. Herein, we review the recent progress made in targeting the EGFR and its use in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
