Effect of cetuximab in recurrent and refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN): a case report

Abstract The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Different strategies to target the activated EGFR have reached the clinic. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the extracellular domain of th...
Ausführliche Beschreibung

Abstract The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Different strategies to target the activated EGFR have reached the clinic. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the extracellular domain of the EGFR on the tumor cell, thereby inhibiting receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activation. Two randomized phase III clinical trials have recently demonstrated that cetuximab increases the activity of radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN and of platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic SCCHN. Here we report the clinical case of a long-lasting complete response in a 57-year-old male, who was a current smoker and had a history of alcohol abuse, affected by recurrent locally advanced SCCHN after failure of radiotherapy and of platinum-based chemotherapy. Ausführliche Beschreibung