Pol Specenier1, Jan B Vermorken. 1. Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. pol.specenier@uza.be
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents new data on the role of taxanes and targeted therapies in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. RECENT FINDINGS: Taxane-containing triplets are clearly superior as an induction regimen in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck when compared with cisplatin/5 fluorouracil which has been the standard for two decades. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of a taxane to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil as induction regimen followed by chemoradiation may be superior to chemoradiation alone. The addition of cetuximab to radiation prolongs locoregional control and survival without increasing mucositis. Areas of active investigation are the search for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and the optimal way of integrating epidermal growth factor receptor-directed therapies into standard management. Meanwhile new targets are explored. SUMMARY: Taxane/cisplatin/5 fluorouracil induction chemotherapy is clearly superior to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil. Epidermal growth factor receptor directed therapies can safely be combined with radiation and the combination shows encouraging results.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents new data on the role of taxanes and targeted therapies in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. RECENT FINDINGS:Taxane-containing triplets are clearly superior as an induction regimen in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck when compared with cisplatin/5 fluorouracil which has been the standard for two decades. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of a taxane to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil as induction regimen followed by chemoradiation may be superior to chemoradiation alone. The addition of cetuximab to radiation prolongs locoregional control and survival without increasing mucositis. Areas of active investigation are the search for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and the optimal way of integrating epidermal growth factor receptor-directed therapies into standard management. Meanwhile new targets are explored. SUMMARY:Taxane/cisplatin/5 fluorouracil induction chemotherapy is clearly superior to cisplatin/5 fluorouracil. Epidermal growth factor receptor directed therapies can safely be combined with radiation and the combination shows encouraging results.
Authors: Carter Van Waes; Clint T Allen; Deborah Citrin; David Gius; A Dimetrios Colevas; Nancy A Harold; Susan Rudy; Liesl Nottingham; Christine Muir; Zhong Chen; Anurag K Singh; Janet Dancey; John C Morris Journal: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys Date: 2009-10-30 Impact factor: 7.038
Authors: Deborah Citrin; John Mansueti; Anna Likhacheva; Linda Sciuto; Paul S Albert; Susan F Rudy; Theresa Cooley-Zgela; Ana Cotrim; Beth Solomon; A Dimitrios Colevas; Angelo Russo; John C Morris; Laurie Herscher; Sharon Smith; Carter Van Waes Journal: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys Date: 2008-12-29 Impact factor: 7.038