A molecular guide to systemic therapy in salivary gland carcinoma

Head Neck. 2023 May;45(5):1315-1326. doi: 10.1002/hed.27307. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) are a rare and variable group of head and neck cancers with historically poor response to cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the recurrent, advanced, and metastatic settings. In the last decade, a number of targetable molecular alterations have been identified in SGCs including HER2 upregulation, androgen receptor overexpression, Notch receptor activation, NTRK gene fusions, and RET alterations which have dramatically improved treatment outcomes in this disease. Here, we review the landscape of precision therapy in SGC including current options for systemic management, ongoing clinical trials, and promising future directions.

Keywords: adenoid cystic carcinoma; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; precision therapy; salivary duct carcinoma; salivary gland cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Fusion
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Salivary Glands / pathology