[Information on head, neck and lung cancers]

Notable advances have been achieved in head and neck cancer and in lung cancer as regards oncogenesis knowledge and treatment optimization. Multimodal management including molecular targeted therapies have provided a clear benefit in some circumstances. This review provides information on these two primary sites. Some issues are specific (non-tobacco-related carcinogenesis, antiangogenic agents) while some others are shared by both primary sites (oncogenesis, EGFR pathway targeting). Molecular targeted therapies have shifted some treatment algorithms in head and neck cancer (monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR and radiotherapy in advanced diseases) and in lung cancer as well (1st line anti VEGFR antibodies, EGFR pathway tyrosin-kinase inhibitors as 2nd line treatment for metastatic diseases). Many new prospects are under evaluation (anti-EGFR antibodies, mTOR inhibitors, multi-targets agents, anti-IGFR1 antibodies). Molecular targeted therapies have also generated new protocols for disease evaluation, imaging and bio-clinical monitoring in order to better select patients and improve the outcome.