Lung metastasectomy in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary gland

Oral Oncol. 2005 Oct;41(9):890-4. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2005.04.014.

Abstract

To define the role of surgical management of lung metastases in ACC. Twenty ACC patients referred to lung metastasectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six operations were performed; at the first metastasectomy, a resection with clear margins (R0) was achieved in 11 patients (55%), 3 are alive and well. Four out of 9 patients with residual disease (R2) are still alive. Median survival after metastasectomy was 78 and 52 months for R0 and R2 (p=0.4); median freedom from progression (FFP) in R0 and R2 groups was 30 and 15 months (p=0.2), respectively. A better outcome was obtained for patients with a disease-free interval 36 months and 6 metastases and bilateral involvement were critical in achieving a R0 intervention. Lung metastasectomy provided a prolonged FFP in a high selected subset of patients with ACC. However, if this could be translated into a survival benefit, it is still to be demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / surgery*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / surgery*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms*