Nikolaus Möckelmann1, Malte Kriegs2, Balazs B Lörincz1, Chia-Jung Busch1, Rainald Knecht1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 2. Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiooncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Significant evidence exists supporting the use of platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as a primary curative approach in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (HNSCC). Despite these aggressive protocols, 70% of patients die within 5 years because of locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis. To increase the response and survival of patients with HNSCC, CRT has been combined with molecular agents targeting distinct kinases. METHODS: This study was performed using a systematic literature review. RESULTS: The effect of targeted therapy on patient survival in the context of CRT remains controversial, with toxicities tending to be more severe but still acceptable. CONCLUSION: Supplementing CRT with target therapeutics might only improve survival in some patients with locally advanced HNSCC. Therefore, future studies must address the underlying biological mechanisms that can have an impact on treatment response. Such knowledge is essential in order to facilitate the effective and personalized treatment of patients with locally advanced HNSCC by combining CRT and targeted therapy.
BACKGROUND: Significant evidence exists supporting the use of platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as a primary curative approach in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (HNSCC). Despite these aggressive protocols, 70% of patients die within 5 years because of locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis. To increase the response and survival of patients with HNSCC, CRT has been combined with molecular agents targeting distinct kinases. METHODS: This study was performed using a systematic literature review. RESULTS: The effect of targeted therapy on patient survival in the context of CRT remains controversial, with toxicities tending to be more severe but still acceptable. CONCLUSION: Supplementing CRT with target therapeutics might only improve survival in some patients with locally advanced HNSCC. Therefore, future studies must address the underlying biological mechanisms that can have an impact on treatment response. Such knowledge is essential in order to facilitate the effective and personalized treatment of patients with locally advanced HNSCC by combining CRT and targeted therapy.
Authors: Frank Ziemann; Steve Seltzsam; Kristin Dreffke; Stefanie Preising; Andrea Arenz; Florentine S B Subtil; Thorsten Rieckmann; Rita Engenhart-Cabillic; Ekkehard Dikomey; Andrea Wittig Journal: Oncotarget Date: 2017-10-24