Is EGFR really a therapeutic target in head and neck cancers?

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in 90% to 100% of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The overexpression of EGFR and its ligand transforming growth factor is associated with poorer survival. EGFR inhibitors such as Cetuximab (Erbitux) have shown a significant antitumoral effect in SCCHN and has improved locoregional control and as well as survival. Even though there was some success with Cetuximab, work with other EGFR inhibition has not been very fruitful and not really shown any promise. Mechanism of action of Cetuximab could be immune-mediated rather than EGFR inhibition and EGFR may not necessarily be a therapeutic target in SCCHN.