Nuevas terapias y factores pronósticos en tumores localmente avanzados de cabeza y cuello

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en pacientes con tumores localmente avanzados de cabeza y cuello. En estos pacientes se administró un tratamiento experimental de quimioterapia que consistió en la combinación de Paclitaxel, ciasplatino y 5 Fluoracilo. Se objetivó en 70 pacientes tratados una tasa de respuesta completa del 74%, siendo estos resultados superiores a los publicados hasta la fecha con tratamiento convencionales. Se estudiaron además en muestras de parafina la expresión de nuevos factores moleculares como son el factor epidérmico de crecimiento y la oncoproteína P53. Se pudo demostrar que la expresión del factor epidérmico y la localización tumoral fueron los parámetros predictivos más importantes para supervivenci

Targeted Therapy in Locally Advanced and Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LA-R/M HNSCC)

Surgery and radiotherapy are the standard treatment options for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Chemoradiotherapy is an alternative for patients with locally advanced disease. In recurrent/metastatic disease and after progression to platin-based regimens, no standard treatments other than best supportive care are currently available. Most SCCHN tumours overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This receptor is a tyrosine-kinase membrane receptor that has been implicated in angiogenesis, tumour progression and resistance to different cancer treatments. In this review, we analysed the different drugs and pathways under development to treat SCCHN, especially recurrent/metastatic disease. Until now, the EGFR signalling pathway has been considered the most important target with respect to new drugs; however, new drugs, such as immunotherapies, are currently under study. As new treatments for SCCHN are developed, the influence of therapies with respect to overall survival, progression free survival and quality of life in patients with this disease is changing