Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor's Function in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Role as a Therapeutic Target in the Age of Immunotherapies

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2020 Feb 3;21(1):9. doi: 10.1007/s11864-019-0697-3.

Abstract

Recent studies have evidenced the potential of combining anti-EGFR therapies with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint therapies. Both anti-EGFR and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 have been separately tested in the treatment of cutaneous SCC (cSCC). Here, we review recent data on EGFR in the context of cancer progression, as a prognostic and as a therapeutic target in cSCC. Anti-EGFR/checkpoint immunotherapy and other combination therapy approaches are discussed. With the advent of immunotherapy, EGFR is still a valid cSCC target.

Keywords: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1); Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins / genetics
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Immune Checkpoint Proteins
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors