Advancing Precision Oncology in the USA: A Literature Review of EGFR, MYC, and RAS Alterations in Head and Neck Cancers: Literature Review

Yinemili Castro Oropeza; Ameera Qaddo; Dosapati Komala Preethi; Ayush Shrivastava; Yash Bhandari; Saketha Vallabhaneni; Divya Sree Mukkapati; Ekta Patel; Yashashwi Bhandari; Jessie Machado Andrades; Barbara Vigas; Trikha Shah; Bindu Malathi Ravi; Mayur Manoharrao Shingade; Myrtho Reveil; Alia K. Elmakki; Nashwa Sultana Omer; Madhavi Alamanda; Sunil Kumar Denthumdas; Joyce Habachi

doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1416

Authors

Yinemili Castro Oropeza DDS, EFDA
Ameera Qaddo BDS, RDA
Dosapati Komala Preethi BDS, MPS
Ayush Shrivastava BDS, MDS
Yash Bhandari BDS
Saketha Vallabhaneni BDS, MPS
Divya Sree Mukkapati BDS, MDS, RDH
Ekta Patel BDS, RDH
Yashashwi Bhandari BDS
Jessie Machado Andrades DDS, CRDH
Barbara Vigas DDS
Trikha Shah BDS, MPH
Bindu Malathi Ravi BDS, MPH
Mayur Manoharrao Shingade BDS, MDS
Myrtho Reveil DDS
Alia K. Elmakki BDS, MPH
Nashwa Sultana Omer BDS
Madhavi Alamanda BDS, MDS
Sunil Kumar Denthumdas BDS, MDS
Joyce Habachi BDS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1416

Keywords:

Head and neck cancer, Precision Oncology, oncogenes, Targeted Therapy, United States

Abstract

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) constitute a diverse group of malignancies characterized by complex molecular alterations that contribute to tumor initiation, progression, therapeutic resistance, and clinical heterogeneity. In the era of precision oncology in the United States, a comprehensive understanding of key oncogenic drivers, particularly EGFR, MYC, and RAS, has become increasingly important for improving risk stratification, early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. These genes regulate critical cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and signal transduction, and their dysregulation is closely associated with aggressive tumor behaviour and variable treatment responses. This literature review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular alterations, biological significance, and clinical implications of EGFR, MYC, and RAS in head and neck cancers, with an emphasis on their role as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Furthermore, it highlights recent advances in targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes. By consolidating contemporary molecular insights, this review underscores the growing need to integrate genomic profiling into routine clinical practice to facilitate individualized treatment planning and advance precision oncology for patients with head and neck cancers in the United States.

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