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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Novel therapeutic targets in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Ezra E W Cohen1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637-1470, USA. ecohen@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu

Seminars in Oncology
|December 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

New targeted therapies are emerging for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Beyond epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, other molecular targets show promise for SCCHN treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) treatment is evolving with targeted therapies.
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors represent a key class of agents currently in late-stage clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review potential molecular targets for SCCHN therapy beyond EGFR.
  • To highlight promising preclinical and clinical evidence for novel targeted agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular pathways implicated in SCCHN.
  • Analysis of preclinical and early clinical data for targeted agents.
  • Focus on signal transduction, cell cycle control, prostaglandin synthesis, protein degradation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Several molecular pathways beyond EGFR are viable targets for SCCHN treatment.
  • Promising preclinical and early clinical data exist for agents targeting these pathways.
  • EGFR inhibitors are advancing, but other targets offer therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapy for SCCHN can extend beyond EGFR inhibition.
  • Further research into novel molecular targets and agents is warranted.
  • These findings may guide future development of SCCHN treatments.

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