Balancing Safety and Efficacy of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in more than 80% of squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCCHN). An evolving understanding of the role of EGFR in tumorigenesis has made the receptor an important therapeutic target in SCCHN. Several EGFR inhibitors (EGFRIs) are active in SCCHN, and their use is associated with improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival in various treatment settings. Nevertheless, EGFR inhibition is associated with significant mucocutaneous toxicity that must be balanced against its anticipated efficacy. This review summarizes the relevant clinical trial experience with EGFRIs, with attention to efficacy, toxicity, and methods of selecting patients most likely to benefit from therapy.

• Authors: David J Iberri, A Dimitrios Colevas
• Journal: The oncologist (Oncologist) Vol. 20 Issue 12 Pg. 1393-403 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 1549-490X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26446236 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: ©AlphaMed Press.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• EGFR protein, human
• ErbB Receptors
• Cetuximab

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)
• Cetuximab (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
• ErbB Receptors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)
• Humans
• Molecular Targeted Therapy (methods)
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck