Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF) in head-and-neck cancers

Abstract

EGFR is frequently overexpressed and is associated with a poor prognosis in head and neck carcinoma (HNC). Among the biological and cellular effects resulting from EGFR targeting, there are the possibilities to restore apoptotic capacities and to reduce DNA-repair activity, to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor cell migration. This suggests the potential interest of the combination between anti-EGFR drugs and cytotoxic agents, especially ionizing radiation with promising results obtained at the clinical level in locally advanced HNC.