Emerging molecular targeted therapies in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Jill Gilbert1, Athanassios Argiris

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. jill.gilbert@vanderbilt.edu

Insights

New targeted therapies show promise for improving survival rates in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), despite current treatment limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Head and Neck Cancer Research
  • Therapeutic Drug Development

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) remains a significant clinical challenge.
  • Despite advances in multimodality therapy, locally advanced SCCHN has suboptimal 5-year survival rates.
  • There is a critical need for improved treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review promising novel targeted agents for SCCHN treatment.
  • To explore the potential role of these new agents in combination with traditional therapies.
  • To highlight recent therapeutic advances in SCCHN.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent clinical trials and preclinical studies.
  • Analysis of emerging targeted therapies and their mechanisms of action.
  • Evaluation of potential clinical benefit in the context of existing SCCHN treatment paradigms.

Main Results:

  • Several novel targeted agents demonstrate promising activity in preclinical and early clinical settings.
  • These agents target specific molecular pathways implicated in SCCHN progression.
  • Combination strategies involving targeted agents and traditional therapies are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Novel targeted agents represent a promising frontier in the management of SCCHN.
  • Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy and safety of these agents.
  • Targeted therapy holds potential to improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced SCCHN.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...