Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor which has been recently focused on the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck based on the nearly universal expression of this protein, the negative prognostic associations with expression and robust preclinical data. Clinical trials to date have demonstrated modest activity of this drug in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy against advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This article reviews the progress in utilization of cetuximab in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (Y0203).