title: The use of epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: Targeting of the EGF receptor (EGFR) has become a standard of care in several tumor types. In squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, monoclonal antibodies directed against EGFR have become a regular component of therapy for curative as well as palliative treatment strategies. These agents have anti-tumor efficacy as a single modality and have demonstrated synergistic tumor killing when combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy. While cetuximab has been the primary anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody used in the US, variant anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies have been used in several clinical studies and shown benefit with improved toxicity profiles. Next generation anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies may demonstrate multi-target epitope recognition, enhanced immune cell stimulation, or conjugation with radioisotopes in order to improve clinical outcomes. Identification of the specific patient subset that would optimally benefit from anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies remains an elusive goal.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffery S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: A Dimitrios
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Colevas