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Updated: May 25, 2026
Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Novel targeted therapies in head and neck cancer
Mariana B A Ferreira1, João Paulo S N Lima, Ezra E W Cohen
1Medical Oncology Department, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
Molecularly targeted therapy, with the potential for increased selectivity and fewer adverse effects, hold promise in the treatment of HNSCC.
Areas Covered:
Targeted agents for HNSCC expected to improve the effectiveness of current therapy including HER family, Src-family kinase, cell cycle, MET, AKT, HDAC, PARP, COX inhibitors and antiangiogenesis.
Expert Opinion:
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are established in HNSCC and the need now is to find biomarkers for sensitivity to better select patients. Moreover, other pathway inhibitors hold significant promise and are being tested in clinical trials. Angiogenesis inhibition is likely to yield only modest efficacy alone but may augment existing standards. Lastly, one clinical arena where targeted therapies may find secure purchase is in the adjuvant or prevention setting where minimal or preneoplastic disease can be affected by inhibition of a single or few targets.
Insights
Molecularly targeted therapies show promise for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. Research focuses on identifying biomarkers for targeted agents and exploring their use in adjuvant or prevention settings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents treatment challenges.
- Molecularly targeted therapy offers potential for increased selectivity and reduced adverse effects in HNSCC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging molecularly targeted therapies for HNSCC.
- To discuss the potential of these agents in various clinical settings, including adjuvant and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of targeted agents including HER family, Src-family kinase, cell cycle, MET, AKT, HDAC, PARP, COX inhibitors, and antiangiogenesis strategies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and established treatment paradigms for HNSCC.
Main Results:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are established in HNSCC, with ongoing efforts to identify sensitivity biomarkers.
- Other pathway inhibitors demonstrate promise and are under investigation in clinical trials.
- Antiangiogenesis agents may offer modest efficacy alone but can augment existing therapies.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker discovery is crucial for optimizing EGFR inhibitor use in HNSCC.
- Targeted therapies hold significant promise, particularly in the adjuvant or prevention settings for early-stage or preneoplastic disease.
- Combination strategies and further clinical evaluation are essential for advancing targeted therapy in HNSCC.
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