Journal of Oncology Translational Research

Profile of Afatinib and its Potential in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence

Abstract

Denaro N and Merlano MC

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. About two thirds of patients present with locally advanced disease (LAHNC) (stage III e IV) in this setting a multidisciplinary approach is complex and evolving. In Recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC, Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against EGFR plus platinum - based chemotherapy (CT) allow overall survival (OS) of about 10 months. However prognosis for R/M-HNSCC remains dismal and additional efforts are needed. Currently no standard second line treatment may be offered to R/M HNSCC. Recent molecular breakthroughs in HNSCC and the use of new targeted therapies provide much hope for future strategies. Promising activity has been shown by target therapies beyond Cetuximab. Afatinib an irreversible inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR family represents a promising drug to after first line failure and to overcome Cetuximab resistance.