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Beyond EGFR Targeting in SCCHN: Angiogenesis, PI3K, and Other Molecular Targets

Esma Saada-Bouzid1,2, Christophe Le Tourneau3,4,5

  • 1Early Phase Unit, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France.

Frontiers in Oncology
|March 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) show promise, but efficacy is limited in unselected populations. Future trials in enriched populations may improve outcomes for SCCHN patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has a complex molecular profile.
  • Current targeted therapy options for SCCHN are limited, with only one approved agent (cetuximab) without molecular selection.
  • Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, improves survival in specific settings when combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of targeted therapies in SCCHN.
  • To discuss the efficacy and limitations of existing targeted agents.
  • To explore the potential of precision medicine approaches in SCCHN treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trials and targeted therapies in SCCHN.
  • Analysis of approved therapies and investigational agents.
  • Discussion of trial designs and patient selection strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) is approved for SCCHN in combination regimens.
  • Antiangiogenic agents and buparlisib (PI3K inhibitor) have shown activity but also toxicity.
  • Many targeted therapies have shown limited efficacy in unselected patient populations.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapy development in SCCHN has faced challenges, potentially due to unselected patient populations.
  • Emerging precision medicine strategies, including umbrella trials and trials in enriched populations, hold promise for advancing SCCHN treatment.
  • Future research should focus on molecularly guided therapies to improve clinical outcomes.
Keywords:
HPVbiomarkerclinical trialsgenomicshead and neck cancertargeted therapy

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