Gefitinib targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has shown limited activity in clinical trials of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism, the proteomic signatures and responses of EGFR and downstream signals have been studied in a panel of HNSCC cell lines and tumor specimens pre- and post-gefitinib treatment.
Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.