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Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway as therapeutic development in head and neck cancers: present and future

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  • Published:
Oncology Reviews

Abstract

The understanding of the epidermal growth factor pathway in terms of intracellular signaling and its role in proliferation and cell survival has impacted the therapeutic management of many solid tumor malignancies in which this pathway has been dysregulated. Once the receptor is targeted at its cellular membrane level or tyrosine kinase domain, its blockage induces downregulation of oncogenic and tumorigenesis mechanisms which were in place, and thus inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of the malignant cell. Nowadays, we have several monoclonal antibodies as well as small molecules which target the receptor of epidermal growth factor. Although several receptors have been described within the human epidermal receptor family, our discussion will be focused on the impact of human epidermal receptor-1 as a therapeutic option for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

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Conflict of interest statement

Luis E. Raez received research funding from Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Genentech, Imclone Systems Incorporated, and Sanofi-Aventis and serves as Speaker's Bureau for Genentech, Imclone System Incorporated, OSI Pharmaceuticals, and Sanofi-Aventis. Edgardo S. Santos has served as Speaker's Bureau for Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, and Amgen. Cesar A. Perez and Chancellor E. Donald have nothing to disclose.

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  1. Internal Medicine/Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA

    Cesar A. Perez

  2. Hematology/Medical Oncology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Tulane Cancer Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-78, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Chancellor E. Donald

  3. Hematology/Oncology Division, Thoracic Oncology Group, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th Avenue, Suite 3510, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Luis E. Raez & Edgardo S. Santos

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Correspondence to Edgardo S. Santos.

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Perez, C.A., Donald, C.E., Raez, L.E. et al. Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway as therapeutic development in head and neck cancers: present and future. Oncol Rev 3, 137–148 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12156-009-0022-7

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