Cetuximab in cancers of the lung and head & neck.

The treatment of aerodigestive tract tumors remains difficult despite improved techniques in detection, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Therefore, strategies to improve efficacy in accord with safety are needed. The epidermal growth factor receptor has become a target of increasing interest. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting this receptor. A series of phase I and II studies of cetuximab in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy have been conducted initially to determine the optimal biological dose (ie, tumor epidermal growth factor receptor-saturating dose) and to establish a safety profile with cetuximab in combination with other antitumor agents. Ultimately, these therapies may become valuable contributors in the treatment of head and neck cancer and lung cancer. This report will focus specifically on the epidermal growth factor receptor and cetuximab.