Seeking alternative biological therapies: the future of targeted molecular treatment

Oral Oncol. 2009 Apr-May;45(4-5):447-53. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2008.08.009. Epub 2008 Nov 21.

Abstract

In recent years targeted therapies have expanded treatment options for patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) considerably and have led to clinically significant benefit. However, the multitude of new targeted drugs that have emerged and are in development also represent a challenge and many years of carefully conducted clinical studies will be needed to explore their full potential. This article summarizes the most important recent developments in the targeted treatment of SCCHN and provides an overview of pathways and promising potential targets that could impact the treatment of patients with SCCHN in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Phosphotransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Somatomedin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Receptors, Somatomedin
  • Phosphotransferases
  • MTOR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases