Journal-based CME Course: Emerging EGFR-Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer – A Review

Activity ID

14351

Expires

September 25, 2028

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

1

Fee

$30

CME Provider: JAMA Oncology

Description of CME Course

Importance  Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a significant global health burden with limited therapeutic options for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in most patients with HNSCC and represents a biologically compelling target, yet current EGFR-directed therapies have demonstrated only modest clinical benefit.

Observations  This review describes the evolving landscape of EGFR-targeted therapeutics in HNSCC, including cetuximab-based combination regimens as well as novel agents, such as bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, immune cell engagers, and adaptive cell therapies. The biological rationale behind these approaches, and the results of early-phase trials, are presented in this review. Notably, cetuximab and other EGFR-targeted therapies have demonstrated inferior efficacy in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive disease.

Conclusions and Relevance  The emerging data of combinatorial approaches and novel EGFR-targeting therapeutic agents offer renewed optimism for patients with advanced HNSCC who have limited treatment options. Future progress will depend on novel agents leveraging a deeper understanding of tumor biology, innovative approaches to reduce on-target off-tumor toxic effects of targeting EGFR, and improving efficacy in the growing population of patients with HPV-positive HNSCC.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

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