Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology (대한두경부종양학회지)

The Korean Society for Head and Neck Oncology (대한두경부종양학회)
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What's New in Molecular Targeted Therapies for Head and Neck Cancer?

두경부암의 최신 표적치료

  • Lee, Seoyoung (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Hye Ryun (Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • 이서영 (연세대학교 의과대학 강남세브란스 병원 종양내과) ;
  • 김혜련 (연세대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Received : 2021.10.29
  • Accepted : 2021.11.08
  • Published : 2021.11.30
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Abstract

Head and neck cancer is the 6th most frequently diagnosed solid tumor in the world. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and HPV infection are associated with the incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although a multidisciplinary approach is a key strategy for the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC, systemic therapy is the mainstream of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC treatment. Stage IV HNSCC has a relatively poor prognosis with median overall survival of around one year. There have been many clinical trials to investigate the efficacy of target agents in the treatment of HNSCC. In the HPV-negative HNSCC, TP53 and CDKN2A are the most commonly mutated genes. In the HPV-positive HNSCC, the PI3K pathway is frequently altered. EGFR, PI3K, cell cycle pathway, MET, HRAS, and IL6/JAK/STAT pathway are explored targets in HNSCC. In this study, we review the target pathways and agents under research. We also introduce here umbrella trials of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC conducted by the Korea Cancer Study Group. The combination of target agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors or cytotoxic chemotherapies would be a future step in the precision medicine of HNSCC treatment.

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References

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