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EGFR targeting drugs in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Importance of the field: Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Despite intense efforts to improve different treatment modalities, mortality rates in advanced cases remain high. Areas covered in the review: EGFR targeting mAb cetuximab (Erbitux) has been approved for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in combination with radiotherapy and for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Here, we review recent scientific advances, as well as future research goals regarding EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of HNSCC. Information was compiled by searching the PubMed, Web of Knowledge and American Society of Clinical Oncology databases for articles published before October 2009. The search terms included ‘head and neck cancer’, ‘EGFR’, ‘cetuximab’, ‘panitumumab’, ‘zalutumumab’, ‘nimotuzumab’, ‘erlotinib’, ‘gefitinib’ and ‘lapatinib’. The National Institutes of Health registry of clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov) was used to search for clinical trials in HNSCC. What the reader will gain: The background scientific rationale, clinical efficacy and development of EGFR inhibitors in HNSCC are discussed. Take home message: Cetuximab significantly improves survival of patients with locally advanced or metastatic HNSCC. Treatment strategies combining EGFR inhibitors with multimodality approaches may eventually increase cure rate in HNSCC.