In addition, although EGFR is overexpressed in more than 90% of HNSCC, cetuximab and other EGFR inhibitors only modestly improved the results in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, while severe so-called ‘financial toxicity’ was generated.46,47 Thus, it is clinically important to investigate potential strategies for improving the HNSCC response to cetuximab. This evidence concerns the gene EGFR and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.