title: Molecular targeting agents in the context of primary chemoradiation strategies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Demands for organ preservation and increasing knowledge in molecular tumor biology have lead to the development of molecular targeting agents. These substances have also been incorporated into concomitant and sequential chemoradiation protocols.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted using a systematic literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling as a central step in carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis is the predominant approach. Although EGFR targeting substances are commonly used, the specific influence of molecular targeting therapies on patient outcome remains unclear. In this review, results from recent clinical trials in the area of primary chemoradiation in the combination with EGFR targeting agents are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Encouraging results from recent trials need to be confirmed in larger patient cohorts and cost-effectiveness analyses have to be undertaken. Phase III studies need to confirm these results before, time and again, new phase II studies are initiated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otolaryngology of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. s.laban@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laban
authors.forename: Chia Jung
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Münscher
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tribius
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schafhausen
authors.forename: Rainald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Knecht
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D000068818:Cetuximab; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D016190:Carboplatin; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D017239:Paclitaxel; D000068818:Cetuximab; D005472:Fluorouracil