RESUMO
Radiotherapy is important in cancer treatment, but improving the therapeutic effect of irradiation and decreasing its toxicity to normal human tissues is still a global problem. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of ErbB family and is an important transmembrane receptor with signal-transduction tyrosine kinase activity. EGFR can direct cellular migration, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and plays a fundamental role in the development and growth of many types of human tumor cells. A series of preclinical studies showed that EGFR inhibitors can enhance the antitumor activity of ionizing radiation. EGFR inhibi-tors regulate radio-sensitization through multiple mechanisms, including cell cycle alterations, DNA repair modulation, and anti-angio-genesis. Reasonable application of EGFR inhibitors will effectively increase the radio-therapeutic effect, extend the local control of tu-mor, and improve a patient's quality of life.
RESUMO
Despite significant improvements in the treatment and outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) that have resulted from technological advances in radiation delivery and the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy, there is still a pressing need for novel therapies. In the last two decades, our understanding of the molecular biological basis of cancer has provided us with a new framework for developing specific targeted therapies. It is likely that the next wave of developments will include active small molecule inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (and other members of the c-erbB family of receptors), antiangiogenic agents, and drugs that can increase proapoptotic signaling in cancer cells. As with cetuximab, it is most likely that these new agents will first find a niche in the context of combination regimens with standard anticancer therapeutics.