New cytotoxic and molecular-targeted therapies of head and neck tumors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to provide an update on novel medical treatments for head and neck cancer.


RESULTS
Despite the continuing introduction of new cytotoxic agents, such as antimetabolites (capecitabine, pemetrexed), and topoisomerase I inhibitors, the management of advanced head and neck cancer remains challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor is an appealing target for novel therapies in head and neck cancer. Several rational approaches have been designed to abrogate epidermal growth factor receptor function, among which the development of small molecules, such as gefitinib or erlotinib, that inhibit tyrosine kinase activity, therefore abrogating the receptor's catalytic activity, autophosphorylation, and its engagement with signal transducers. The development of monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, directed against the receptor's extracellular domain and competing for the binding of receptor ligands is another antireceptor strategy, because it induces epidermal growth factor receptor downregulation from the tumor cell surface. Gefitinib has been evaluated in a phase II study in head and neck cancer, at a dose of 500 mg/day. In this study, a 53% disease control rate was achieved, with a low toxicity. Currently, a phase II study at a dose of 250 mg/day is ongoing. A phase II study of erlotinib in advanced head and neck cancer has provided similar results to those of gefitinib, with a 46% control rate and an acceptable toxicity. Phase I studies of cetuximab have been carried out in advanced head and neck cancer, mainly combining the drug with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Three phase II studies have evaluated the combination of cetuximab with platinum-based chemotherapy in pretreated patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer, with a control rate ranging from 29 to 66%. A phase III placebo-controlled trial has shown that the addition of cetuximab to cisplatin does not significantly improve median progression-free survival, despite a difference in the response rate between the two arms. Other molecular-targeted approaches in head and neck cancer include farnesyl transferase inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, and gene therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Novel targeted therapies are highly appealing in advanced head and neck cancer, and the most clever way to use them is a matter of intense investigation.
Caponigro
Francesco
F
National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy. caponigrof@libero.it
Ionna
Franco
F
Comella
Giuseppe
G
D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D051231:Farnesyltranstransferase; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; D051231:Farnesyltranstransferase; D066246:ErbB Receptors