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Anti-EGFR-targeting agents in recurrent or metastatic head and neck carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Head & Neck,
Exclusive author commentary
Evidence Based Medicine
Petrelli F et al. – This meta–analysis suggests that in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer the addition of anti–epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) monoclonal antibodies to standard therapy confers a statistically significant improvement in overall survival(OS), progression–free survival(PFS), and overall response rate.
Fausto Petrelli (09/29/2011) comments:
For the first time in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer a targeted treatment shows an increased survival over standard tretment (best supportive care or palliative chemotherapy). This is the first time that in recurrent/metastatic setting a systemic treatment confers an outcome benefit and this is the first meta-analysis exploring and confirming this data. As in other neoplastic disease targeted therapies and in particular anti-EGFR agents reveals an activity that translate in a survival gain (-17% of risk of death and -30% risk of disease progression). In squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck a new avenue has started and a hope for patients is going to be offered.
