Cetuximab in squamous cell head and neck carcinomas

Ann Oncol. 2007 Jun:18 Suppl 6:vi5-7. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdm215.

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist, cetuximab, has recently been shown to enhance the effects of radiotherapy, and reports to date indicate that this effect occurs without any change in the pattern and severity of toxicity usually associated with head and neck radiation and/or chemotherapy (CT) administration. Moreover, several studies have reported that the expression of EGFR is strongly linked to poor outcome in patients undergoing therapy. Therefore, the presence of the EGFR in almost all cases of head and neck carcinoma offers a new therapeutic opportunity to most patients. In this paper, we report a review of the major studies dealing with the use of cetuximab in advanced head and neck cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Cetuximab
  • Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Cetuximab