In a subgroup of HNSCC, the ex vivo targeting αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins by cilengitide and EGFR by cetuximab leads to reduced CFec and release of IL-6 and MCP-1, thus proving that cilengitide in binary combination with cetuximab does have potential in the treatment of this subgroup. This evidence concerns the gene EGFR and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.