BJMO - volume 9, issue 2, may 2015
C. Boeckx PhD, M. Baay PhD, F. Lardon PhD, J.B. Vermorken MD, PhD
As the epidermal growth factor receptor is expressed in up to 90% of all head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and initiates important signalling pathways in carcinogenesis, this receptor has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the challenge of drug resistance alongside treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors remains. New results from our research group provide evidence that the RAS-MAPK signalling pathway is still activated despite upstream epidermal growth factor receptor blocking by cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor targeting monoclonal antibody. DUSP5, DUSP6, AURKB, HB-EGF, IL8 and the transcription factor AP-1 were among the genes identified by us as likely contributing to cetuximab resistance. These novel findings provide new insights in the underlying mechanisms of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapeutic resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Furthermore, these observations can form a solid basis for further in vivo and clinical studies on this topic, making advances in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(2):74–6)
Read more
BJMO - volume 9, issue 1, february 2015
V. Deschoolmeester PhD, E. Smits PhD, M. Peeters MD, PhD, J.B. Vermorken MD, PhD
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer related mortality. Although chemo- and radiation therapy can improve survival rates, it is imperative to integrate more advanced treatment options; therefore, rationally designed immunotherapeutic strategies are being explored as adjuvant treatment. In this review, we will discuss the study design and results of the clinical trials that have been conducted in colorectal cancer patients using autologous and allogeneic tumour cell vaccines, peptide vaccines, viral vector based vaccines, dendritic cell based vaccines, and antibody-based immunotherapy as well as some future recommendations.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(1):25–30)
Read more
Top
