Molecular Targeted Therapy In Advanced Head And Neck Cancer

New approaches targeting molecular abnormalities specific to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has offered a new method to improve patient outcome. The increasing knowledge in the molecular pathogenesis of SCCHN as well as the introduction of molecular targeted therapies in oncology has created an encouraging trend in the management of this malignancy. Early studies of targeted therapies for SCCHN, including targeting the EGFR pathway and inhibiting angiogenesis and multikinase inhibitors, have shown effective and great perspective. This review summarizes the basic knowledge of those key aspects of the molecular pathogenesis. Relevant preclinical and clinical information on novel compounds for SCCHN are also reviewed.