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

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.