title: Monoclonal antibodies as potentiators of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the management of head and neck cancer.
abstract: The overall survival of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck has not significantly improved over the past 2 decades. Preclinical studies suggest that combining a monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor with irradiation or chemotherapy agents active in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck could increase treatment efficacy. Completed phase I studies have shown these combinations to be both feasible and tolerable. Phase III studies are now beginning to establish firmly the efficacy of this innovative new approach.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000276:immunology*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans