Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
06:11

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 20, 2018

Molecular characterization of head and neck cancer: how close to personalized targeted therapy?

Maria J Worsham1, Haythem Ali, Jadranka Dragovic

  • 1Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. mworsha1@hfhs.org

Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy
|August 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Molecular targeted therapy shows promise for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Future research must personalize treatments by understanding genotype-phenotype links for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment is evolving with molecular targeted therapies.
  • Cetuximab is the only FDA-approved targeted therapy for HNSCC, with others in development targeting EGFR and other pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution and current clinical applicability of molecular subtyping in HNSCC.
  • To discuss emergent paradigms for future targeted therapy development and personalized treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on molecular targeted therapies in HNSCC.
  • Analysis of the clinical application of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted drugs.
  • Exploration of genetic and epigenetic landscapes in HNSCC.

Main Results:

  • Current targeted therapy use in HNSCC is not personalized, despite the potential for individualized treatment.
  • EGFR as a molecular target has not yet been individualized for HNSCC treatment.
  • Genetic and epigenetic research is crucial for identifying response predictors and informing future therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Personalization of molecular targeted therapy in HNSCC is a critical unmet need.
  • Further research into genotype-phenotype relationships is essential for optimizing targeted treatments.
  • Comprehensive genomic and epigenomic analysis will drive the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.

More Related Videos

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer07:59

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies13:24

Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies

Published on: April 11, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
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...