Present and Future of EGFR Inhibitors for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

Although EGFR is expressed at high levels in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and mutations are extremely rare, monotherapy with EGFR inhibitors has shown limited success. The PI3kinase/Akt pathway is responsible for cellular survival, and inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI) synthesis has antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and antiangiogenesis effects on HNSCC. Molecular crosstalk has been observed between EGFR and IGF1R signaling through the PI3kinase/Akt pathway in HNSCC, as has molecular crosstalk between the NFκB and STAT3 signaling pathways. Therefore, the combination of an EGFR antagonist with an agent that inhibits the activation of both Akt and NFκB may overcome resistance to EGFR antagonists in HNSCC.

Pharmacotherapy for squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck

INTRODUCTION

squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancies, the treatment of which constitutes a therapeutic challenge.

AREAS COVERED

the purpose of this review is to provide an update on the pharmacotherapy for the treatment of HNSCC focusing mainly on molecular-targeted therapies. An overview of the different novel therapeutic agents that can selectively inhibit signaling pathways and receptors that are involved in the development and progression of cancer especially in HNSCC is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

the treatment of HNSCC is traditionally based on surgery and radiotherapy for early-stage HNSCC; however, chemotherapy is no longer used only for palliation, and individualized patient treatment assisted by molecular-targeted therapies represents a future therapeutic challenge.