Salivary gland tumors: Molecular characterization and therapeutic advances for metastatic disease

Head Neck. 2019 Jan;41(1):239-247. doi: 10.1002/hed.25468. Epub 2018 Dec 15.

Abstract

Salivary gland cancers represent a rare group of tumors composed by over 20 histological subtypes. Initially treated as one single disease, its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are currently being stratified based on morphology. More recently, insight has been provided on the molecular characterization of each subtype, further improving diagnostic accuracy and paving the way for personalized therapy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of recent breakthroughs, preliminary results of novel therapy, and future directions on the treatment of these complex malignancies.

Keywords: head and neck cancer; immunotherapy; molecular targeted therapy; salivary gland cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ductal / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Ductal / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / therapy
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Salivary Ducts / pathology
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological