Abstract: Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. More than 70% of the patients with head and neck carcinoma present with locally advanced disease when initially confirmed. Despite intense efforts to improve different treatment modalities, mortality rates in advanced cases remain high. In order to improve the outcome, patients usually receive combined treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and molecular targeted drugs. Lots of studies have confirmed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is closely related to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells, and EGFR is overexpressed in most head and neck cancer, which significantly affects the prognosis of those patients. Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies have been approved for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in several countries. Here, we reviewed the scientific advances in HNSCC treated with cetuximab and nimotuzumab. Which one is better for treating the patients with HNSCC? Cetuximab or nimotuzumab? You will get some ideas from this review.

Key words: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Cetuximab, Nimotuzumab, Epidermal growth factor receptor, Tumor therapy