Iberri DJ, Colevas AD. Balancing Safety and Efficacy of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.
Oncologist 2015;
20:1393-403. [PMID:
26446236 PMCID:
PMC4679082 DOI:
10.1634/theoncologist.2015-0177]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in more than 80% of squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCCHN). An evolving understanding of the role of EGFR in tumorigenesis has made the receptor an important therapeutic target in SCCHN. Several EGFR inhibitors (EGFRIs) are active in SCCHN, and their use is associated with improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival in various treatment settings. Nevertheless, EGFR inhibition is associated with significant mucocutaneous toxicity that must be balanced against its anticipated efficacy. This review summarizes the relevant clinical trial experience with EGFRIs, with attention to efficacy, toxicity, and methods of selecting patients most likely to benefit from therapy.
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