The role of taxanes and targeted therapies in locally advanced head and neck cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This review presents new data on the role of taxanes and targeted therapies in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.


RESULTS
Taxane-containing triplets are clearly superior as an induction regimen in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck when compared with cisplatin/5 fluorouracil which has been the standard for two decades. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of a taxane to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil as induction regimen followed by chemoradiation may be superior to chemoradiation alone. The addition of cetuximab to radiation prolongs locoregional control and survival without increasing mucositis. Areas of active investigation are the search for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and the optimal way of integrating epidermal growth factor receptor-directed therapies into standard management. Meanwhile new targets are explored.


CONCLUSIONS
Taxane/cisplatin/5 fluorouracil induction chemotherapy is clearly superior to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil. Epidermal growth factor receptor directed therapies can safely be combined with radiation and the combination shows encouraging results.
Specenier
Pol
P
Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. pol.specenier@uza.be
Vermorken
Jan B
JB
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D043823:Taxoids; C080625:taxane; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil