Understanding resistance to targeted therapies in head and neck, breast cancer
MSN highlights University of Cincinnati Cancer Center research
MSN highlighted University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center research published in the journal Oncotarget that reviewed current research on why Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies often fail in breast and head and neck cancers.
The review, led by co-corresponding authors Vinita Takiar, MD, and Susan Waltz, PhD, offers an in-depth look at the molecular barriers to EGFR inhibition and provides insights that could inform the development of more effective and durable treatments.
EGFR is a critical protein that regulates cell growth and survival, and it is frequently overexpressed in breast and head and neck cancers. Although therapies targeting EGFR showed early promise, resistance has become a significant challenge.
The review analyzes resistance mechanisms in breast cancer including the movement of EGFR from the cell surface into the nucleus, promoting DNA repair. By analyzing these resistance mechanisms, the authors highlight combination therapies from current research that target EGFR and other key molecular pathways that may enhance treatment outcomes.
"A recent phase 1 study has shown that patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer who received BCA101, a bifunctional dual targeting drug that targets EGFR and TGF-β in combination with pembrolizumab, were able to achieve an overall response rate of 65%," the coauthors noted.
Featured photo at top of pink Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon. Photo/Lludmila Chernetska/iStock.
Related Stories
University of Cincinnati gets $1.1M for AI physician training
January 30, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has received a four-year, $1.1 million grant to explore using artificial intelligence and personalized learning to improve physician education.
Hoxworth Blood Center teams up with Cyclones in February for biggest blood drive event of year
January 30, 2026
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is teaming up with the Cyclones and other local businesses to host its annual Queen City Blood Drive on Feb. 9-11 at Heritage Bank Center. If you can’t attend this event, Hoxworth encourages you to still make donating a #HoxworthHabit and give blood this February.
Research findings may lead to new test for endometriosis
January 30, 2026
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women worldwide, and many go years before diagnosis. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during menstruation and/or sexual intercourse, bloating and fatigue. Katie Burns’ research at the University of Cincinnati is focused on creating a new, non-invasive test for endometriosis, using white blood cells as biomarkers. Burns, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences in the College of Medicine.