Improving Response Rates to EGFR-Targeted Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Candidate Predictive Biomarkers and Combination Treatment with Src Inhibitors

摘要: The epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFR-) directed antibody, cetuximab, was FDA-approved for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma head and neck (SCCHN) in 2006. Additional EGFR-targeting agents clinical development SCCHN include other EGFR-directed antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors antisense DNA. Although majority overexpress EGFR, responses to have been modest. Molecular predictors response EGFR-targeted therapies not identified. However, molecular correlate studies lung cancer colon cancer, which therapeutics treatment, may provide insights. We describe candidate predictive markers their prevalence SCCHN. Clinical will likely be improved by targeted therapy combination treatments. Src family kinases mediate EGFR-dependent -independent tumor progression pathways many cancers including Several Src-targeting are solid malignancies. few biomarkers correlated with patient limited. Identifying patients who respond combined EGFR- require further characterization correlates. discuss rationale EGFR co-targeting recent trials implementing Src- therapeutics.