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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Molecular targeted therapies in head and neck cancer--an update of recent developments-
Martin Goerner1, Tanguy Y Seiwert, Holger Sudhoff
1Community Hospital Bielefeld, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Teutoburger Str, 60, 33604 Bielefeld, Germany. martin.goerner@klinikumbielefeld.de
Abstract:
Targeted therapies have made their way into clinical practice during the past decade. They have caused a major impact on the survival of cancer patients in many areas of clinical oncology and hematology. Indeed, in some hematologic malignancies, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, biologicals and antibodies specifically designed to target tumour-specific proteins have revolutionized treatment standards. In solid tumours, new drugs targeting EGF- or VEGF- receptors are now approved and are entering clinical practise for treatment of colon, lung, kidney and other cancers, either alone or in combination with conventional treatment approaches. Recent data have now shown that molecular targeted therapy might display efficacy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well. The evaluated biologicals are generally well tolerated from HNSCC patients, who usually have the burden of multiple co-morbidities that interfere with conventional systemic treatment options. Therefore, molecular targeted therapies offer new treatment options even for heavily pretreated and seriously ill patients usually unable to tolerate chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The two most promising and advanced strategies are the blockage of growth-factor based cellular signalling and interference with angiogenesis-related pathways. But inhibitors of alternative targets, such as Scr and proteasomes, have already been evaluated in early clinical trials with HNSCC patients.
Insights
Molecular targeted therapy shows promise for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. These therapies offer well-tolerated treatment options for those unable to undergo traditional chemotherapy or radiation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Targeted therapies have significantly improved cancer patient survival over the past decade.
- Biologicals and antibodies targeting tumor-specific proteins have revolutionized treatment for hematologic malignancies.
- New drugs targeting EGF- or VEGF- receptors are approved for various solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of molecular targeted therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
- To explore targeted therapies as an alternative for HNSCC patients with comorbidities or who are heavily pretreated.
- To review advanced targeted strategies including growth-factor signaling blockage and angiogenesis interference.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data on molecular targeted therapies in HNSCC.
- Evaluation of biologicals targeting tumor-specific proteins and receptors (e.g., EGF, VEGF).
- Assessment of inhibitors targeting alternative pathways like Scr and proteasomes.
Main Results:
- Molecular targeted therapy demonstrates potential efficacy in HNSCC patients.
- Targeted biologicals are generally well-tolerated in HNSCC patients, including those with comorbidities.
- These therapies offer viable options for patients intolerant to conventional treatments.
Conclusions:
- Molecular targeted therapies represent a promising new avenue for HNSCC treatment.
- Targeted therapies provide effective and tolerable options for advanced or heavily pretreated HNSCC patients.
- Further clinical trials are evaluating inhibitors of various molecular targets in HNSCC.
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