Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2016 Mar;59(3):181-187. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.3.181.

Crosstalk Mechanisms Following Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer

• Byeon HK

• KMID: 2160423
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.3.181

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has emerged as the sixth most commonly occurring cancer worldwide and despite advances in diagnostics and therapeutics, the treatment results and survival outcomes still remain poor, especially in advanced cancers. Due to the complexity of the local anatomic structures and the importance as vital functioning organs, the head and neck area following conventional treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy often result as a devastating consequence both esthetically and functionally. In order to minimize the treatment related sequelae and at the same time maximize treatment effect, tumor-specific molecular targeted therapy has become an area under active research. Several molecular targeted agents, including the representative epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-inhibitors have been developed and its therapeutic effects investigated. However, therapeutic resistance has newly risen as a main problem following targeted therapy due to a variety of resistance mechanisms. This review article looks at the major acquired resistance mechanisms following targeted agents administration including EGFR inhibitors and many others and strategies to overcome the resistance to achieve precision medicine.

Keyword

Epidermal growth factor receptor; Head and neck cancer; Resistance; Squamous cell carcinoma; Targeted therapy

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Drug Therapy
Head and Neck Neoplasms*
Head*
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Neck
Radiotherapy
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor