Monoclonal antibodies as potentiators of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the management of head and neck cancer.

The overall survival of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck has not significantly improved over the past 2 decades. Preclinical studies suggest that combining a monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor with irradiation or chemotherapy agents active in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck could increase treatment efficacy. Completed phase I studies have shown these combinations to be both feasible and tolerable. Phase III studies are now beginning to establish firmly the efficacy of this innovative new approach.