Introduction
non-metastatic HNSCC, Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, cancer, HNSCC, tumors
PROLIFERATION, CANCER, TUMORS
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwideIncreased or sustained activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor’s (EGFR) signaling can promote genesis and progression of tumors by providing sustained signals for cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic signaling, angiogenesis, and metastasisCetuximab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting EGFR, is to date the only targeted therapy that demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit in HNSCC patients, both in the recurrent and in the locally advanced settings, yet without molecular selectionPan-HER TKIs target all the dimers formed by HER familyThe GEP11 PREDICTOR randomized trial aimed at identifying predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of efficacy of afatinib. The trial also investigated the efficacy and safety of preoperative afatinib in untreated, non-metastatic HNSCC patients.