Targeted therapy for oral cancer

Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules (such as proteins) on cancer cells or inside them. These molecules help send signals that tell cells to grow or divide. By targeting these molecules, the drugs stop the growth and spread of cancer cells and limit harm to normal cells. Targeted therapy may also be called molecular targeted therapy.

Targeted therapy is sometimes used to treat oral cancer. It may be given on its own or together with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. If you have targeted therapy, your healthcare team will use what they know about the cancer and about your health to plan the drugs, doses and schedules.

You may have targeted therapy to treat oral cancer that:

• is locally advanced or has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body

• hasn't responded to or has come back (recurred) after other treatments

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor on the surface of cells that sends signals to cells that allow them to grow and divide. A mutation in the EGFR gene can cause cancer cells to grow and divide more than normal. Some monoclonal antibodies target and inhibit or block EGFR. These drugs can help treat oral cancers that have these gene mutations.

Cetuximab (Erbitux) is the most common EGFR inhibitor used to treat oral cancer. It is usually given into a vein (intravenously, or by IV) once a week or every other week.

Side effects of targeted therapy will depend mainly on the type or combination of drugs, the dose, how it's given and your overall health. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from targeted therapy. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.

Cetuximab may cause the following side effects:

• skin problems, such as rash, itching and being more sensitive to the sun

• liver problems

• muscle weakness

• headache

• fatigue

• nausea
• loss of appetite

• diarrhea

• constipation
• fever

Find out more about targeted therapy. To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your healthcare team questions about targeted therapy.

Details on specific drugs change regularly. Find out more about sources of drug information and where to get details on specific drugs.