Among Top Six Cancer Discoveries of 2006
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recently named the findings of a multinational study headed by James A. Bonner, MD, chair of the Department of Radiology Oncology, among the top six developments in clinical cancer research in 2006. The study “Radiotherapy and Cetuximab for Head and Neck Cancer” (N Engl J Med. 2006;[6]354:567-578), compared radiotherapy alone with radiotherapy plus cetuximab (Erbitux), a chimeric monoclonal antibody produced by Imclone. Results showed combined therapy nearly doubles median survival rates in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers.
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) abnormally activated in epithelial cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. More than a decade ago Dr. Bonner began investigating EGFR inhibition and has worked with UAB cancer center scientists Donald J. Buchsbaum, PhD; Kevin P. Raisch, PhD; and Mansoor N. Saleh, MD, PhD, on lab studies of cetuximab. Subsequently, he collaborated with UAB’s Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD; Sharon A. Spencer, MD; and Francisco Robert, MD, in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Patients were recruited through 2002, and the drug’s survival advantage was unveiled at the 2004 American Society for Clinical Oncology annual meeting.
“Realizing the majority of head and neck cancers heavily express EGFR, and knowing EGFR expression correlates with poor prognoses, we theorized that an EGFR inhibitor, such as cetuximab, could potentially increase these cancers’ sensitivity to radiation,” Dr. Bonner says.
“Our study found cetuximab improved outcomes without enhancing side effects, as sometimes occurs when radiosensitizers are added. As a department, we are proud of this accomplishment and the continued impact our translational research has and will have on the future of cancer treatment on a global scale,” he says.
The top six advances were chosen by a 20-person editorial board composed of leading oncologists. Editors reviewed studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and early research results presented at major scientific meetings last year to select studies that most significantly altered understanding of cancer or had an important impact on patient care.