Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Treatment of advanced head and neck cancer with cetuximab
1Department of Clinical Oncology, 2Department of Medical Oncology, S. Croce General Hospital, Cuneo.
Abstract:
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the transmembrane receptor HER-1 (epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR). In theory, inhibition of EGFR may influence tumor behavior since the receptor regulates many important tumor cell activities including tumor growth, angiogenesis, and inhibition of the apoptotic response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Available experimental data suggest that cetuximab may enhance the activity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, reverse resistance to some anticancer drugs, and has itself anticancer activity. Early clinical data support the experimental results. This paper reviews the published findings on cetuximab in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer and points out the future objectives of the clinical research on this drug.
Insights
Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, shows promise in treating advanced head and neck cancer by enhancing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further clinical research is ongoing to explore its full potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
- EGFR signaling influences tumor growth, angiogenesis, and apoptosis resistance.
- EGFR inhibition may impact tumor behavior and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review published findings on cetuximab in advanced head and neck cancer.
- To discuss the potential of cetuximab in combination with other therapies.
- To outline future clinical research objectives for cetuximab.
Main Methods:
- Review of published experimental and clinical data on cetuximab.
- Analysis of cetuximab's mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.
- Synthesis of findings related to advanced head and neck cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Experimental data suggest cetuximab enhances chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Cetuximab may reverse resistance to certain anticancer drugs.
- Cetuximab demonstrates intrinsic anticancer activity.
Conclusions:
- Cetuximab shows potential as a therapeutic agent in advanced head and neck cancer.
- Combination therapy with cetuximab may improve treatment outcomes.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to optimize cetuximab's role.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Tumor Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
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...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

