[The Combination of Molecular Targeted Agents with Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2018 Mar;45(3):419-423.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Concurrent cisplatin based chemoradiotherapy(CRT)is the standard of care for patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck(LA-SCCHN). Based on the Bonner trial showing the superiority of cetuximab plus radiotherapy to radiotherapy alone, cetuximab based bioradiotherapy(BRT)is considered as an alternative for patients with LA-SCCHN. However, the non-inferiority of BRT compared to CRT has not yet been demonstrated. Furthermore, severe mucositis and dermatitis induced by BRT cannot be neglected. Therefore, the patient's general status and comorbidity should be considered before BRT. Supportive care and patient education are also necessary to safely complete the treatment. Several phase III trials are ongoing to evaluate BRT and CRT for human papillomavirus(HPV)positive oropharyngeal carcinoma. Novel biomarkers are needed for identifying patients most likely to benefit from BRT.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemoradiotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dermatitis / etiology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents