Novel therapeutic approaches to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck using biologically targeted agents.
Despite significant improvements in the treatment and outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) that have resulted from technological advances in radiation delivery and the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy, there is still a pressing need for novel therapies. In the last two decades, our understanding of the molecular biological basis of cancer has provided us with a new framework for developing specific targeted therapies. It is likely that the next wave of developments will include active small molecule inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (and other members of the c-erbB family of receptors), antiangiogenic agents, and drugs that can increase proapoptotic signaling in cancer cells. As with cetuximab, it is most likely that these new agents will first find a niche in the context of combination regimens with standard anticancer therapeutics.
Harrington
K J
KJ
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, United Kingdom.
Kazi
R
R
Bhide
S A
SA
Newbold
K
K
Nutting
C M
CM
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000639:trends; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000068818:Cetuximab; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D055808:Drug Discovery; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000819:agonists
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C512478:EGFR protein, human; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab