Targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Targeted agents have emerged as novel drugs in the oncology field based on our understanding of the biology of individual malignancies, and have had a promising impact in several tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a common disease with little progress made in survival over the past few decades. SCCHN is characterized by overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), both of which appear to have a prognostic value. Hence these receptors and their downstream pathways make attractive therapeutic targets. This review discusses targeted therapies currently being evaluated for their role in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
The Department of Internal Medicine, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Ibrahim T
IT
Aldoss
Apar Kishor
AK
Ganti
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A