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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
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
Abstract:
In recent years, several therapeutic advances have been made in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, despite multimodality therapy, patients with locally advanced SCCHN continue to demonstrate suboptimal 5-year survival rates. The addition of novel, targeted agents to traditional therapies holds promise for clinical benefit. This review will focus on new agents that are promising and their potential role in the treatment of SCCHN.
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.
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