New approaches to EGFR inhibition for locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

ABSTRACT: Despite recent advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, survival rates for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have remained poor. The focus of SCCHN therapy has more recently shifted to the molecular level, particularly the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) pathway. Several agents that target the EGFR pathway, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are under investigation for SCCHN. Searches of PubMed and results of key oncology congresses were performed to identify relevant articles and abstracts. The EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody cetuximab is approved for the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN in combination with radiotherapy, for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic SCCHN in combination with platinum-based chemother

SUBMITTER: Agulnik M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3466428 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature