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Is EGFR really a therapeutic target in head and neck cancers?

Vijay Agarwal1, Anand Subash2, Ravi C Nayar2

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore, India.

Journal of Surgical Oncology
|February 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in head and neck cancers. While Cetuximab shows promise, its mechanism may be immune-mediated, suggesting EGFR isn't always the key therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in 90-100% of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).
  • EGFR overexpression correlates with poorer survival outcomes in SCCHN patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors, specifically Cetuximab, in SCCHN treatment.
  • To investigate the potential mechanism of action for Cetuximab's antitumoral effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical data on Cetuximab treatment in SCCHN.
  • Analysis of studies investigating EGFR inhibition in SCCHN.

Main Results:

  • Cetuximab demonstrated significant antitumoral effects, improving locoregional control and survival in SCCHN.
  • Other EGFR inhibitors have shown limited success in SCCHN.

Conclusions:

  • Cetuximab's efficacy in SCCHN may stem from immune-mediated mechanisms rather than direct EGFR inhibition.
  • EGFR might not be a universally effective therapeutic target in SCCHN.
Keywords:
CetuximabEGFRconcurrent chemotherapyimmunotherapytargeted

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