Prognosis of primary breast salivary gland-type carcinoma: a propensity score-matching analysis with invasive carcinoma of no special type based on the SEER database for years 2010-2020

BACKGROUND

Primary breast salivary gland-type carcinoma has weak evidence to support its management due to its rare occurrence and limited data regarding its clinicopathological features and prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to assess clinicopathological features and prognosis for this type of carcinoma diagnosed over the past decade and compared those to the common breast invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST).

METHODS

This study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to extract data regarding primary breast salivary gland-type carcinoma. Using a propensity score-matching approach, the prognosis was compared with invasive carcinoma, NST.

RESULTS

This study included 488 cases of salivary gland-type carcinoma and 375,660 cases of invasive carcinoma, NST, giving an occurrence ratio of 1 to 770. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (81%) formed the majority of salivary gland-type carcinoma, followed by secretory carcinoma (13%). For salivary gland-type carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma histological type, tumor grade 3, HER2-overexpressed status, and higher AJCC stage groups were significant worse prognostic factors for breast cancer-specific survival in univariate analyses (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, tumor grade 3 and higher AJCC stage groups remained as significant independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The apparent better breast cancer-specific survival of salivary gland-type carcinoma as compared to that of invasive carcinoma, NST, was diminished following adjustment for differences in baseline clinicopathological features and treatment-related variables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that when managing primary breast salivary gland-type carcinoma, greater emphasis should be given to the tumor grade and AJCC stage group in addition to acinic cell carcinoma histological type and HER2 overexpression. Conventional prognostic factors are important as salivary gland-type carcinoma had similar prognosis as invasive carcinoma, NST, following adjustment for confounding variables.

Platinum-based adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness and toxicity of platinum-based adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (POCRT) in comparison to postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (HNACC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed patients diagnosed with HNACC at our center between January 2010 and April 2020. A 1:1 propensity score matching method was used to create a matched cohort.

RESULTS

In this study, 206 patients were analyzed, with 147 patients (71.4%) receiving postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and 59 patients (28.6%) receiving POCRT. Twenty-one patients experienced local-regional failure. The 3-, 5-, and 10-yr local-regional control (LRC) rate for the cohort were 92.0%, 90.6%, and 86.9%, respectively. In both the entire cohort and the matched cohort, the POCRT group exhibited superior LRC compared to the PORT group (Gray's test, all P < 0.05*). Multivariate analysis identified adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy as an independent prognostic factor for LRC (Competing risks regression, HR = 0.144, 95% CI 0.026-0.802, P = 0.027*). In addition, the POCRT group had higher incidences of upper gastrointestinal toxicity and hematologic toxicities, including leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia (all P < 0.05*).

CONCLUSION

In terms of reducing locoregional failures in HNACC patients, POCRT may potentially offer a more effective therapeutic approach than using PORT alone, although it also entails an augmented burden of treatment-related toxicity.

A population study comparing tracheal and lung adenoid cystic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Thoracic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is rare, and the differences between tracheal and lung lesions have not been fully understood.

METHODS

Patients were identified from a Chinese cancer center (FUSCC) (2005-2022) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000-2019). Incidence was calculated and trends were quantified. Clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Nomograms predicting OS were constructed.

RESULTS

Totally, 55 tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) and 25 lung and bronchus adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) were included in a Chinese cohort, 121 TACC and 162 LACC included in the SEER cohort. There were larger tumor sizes, more lymph nodes and distant metastases for LACC than TACC patients. TACC patients are more likely to get local treatments. Patients with LACC had significantly worse median OS than patients with TACC (SEER cohort: 68.0 months vs. 109.0 months, p = 0.001, Chinese cohort: 62.9 months vs. 124.8 months, p = 0.061). Age, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and local treatment were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS of TACC. Distant metastasis and local treatment were identified for LACC. Specifically, surgery alone or in combination with radiotherapy is crucial for improving survival in both TACC and LACC. Only TACC benefits from radiotherapy alone, while chemotherapy does not improve survival for either. The nomograms constructed using these factors revealed good prognostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

LACC is more aggressive and has a worse prognosis than TACC. TACC patients have more opportunities for local treatment, which is important for the prognosis of both TACC and LACC. Nomograms were created for TACC and LACC to aid in personalized survival predictions and clinical decisions.

Current diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland-type tumors of the lung

Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung are thought to originate from the submucosal exocrine glands of the large airways. Due to their rare occurrence, reports of their study are limited to small-scale or case reports. Therefore, daily clinical practices often require a search for previous reports. In the last 20 years, several genetic rearrangements have been identified, such as MYB::NF1B rearrangements in adenoid cystic carcinoma, CRTC1::MAML2 rearrangements in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, EWSR1::ATF1 rearrangements in hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma and rearrangements of the EWSR1 locus or FUS (TLS) locus in myoepithelioma and myoepithelial carcinoma. These molecular alterations have been useful in diagnosing these tumors, although they have not yet been linked to molecularly targeted therapies. The morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics of these tumors are similar to those of their counterparts of extrapulmonary origin, so clinical and radiologic differential diagnosis is required to distinguish between primary and metastatic disease of other primary sites. However, these molecular alterations can be useful in differentiating them from other primary lung cancer histologic types. The management of these tumors requires broad knowledge of the latest diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, bronchoscopic interventions, chemotherapy, immunotherapy as well as therapeutic agents in development, including molecularly targeted agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary salivary gland tumors, with a focus on adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which are the two most common subtypes.

[Diagnosis and treatment of subglottic mass（report of 5 cases）]

Subglottic masses is very rare. The clinical data of five cases of subglottic mass in our hospital from 2017 to 2022 were summarized, and their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination findings, treatment plan and pathological features were analyzed. Among the 5 patients, 1 case was subglottic pleomorphic adenoma, 1 case was subglottic granuloma, 1 case was subglottic breast cancer metastasis, 1 case was subglottic primary adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 case was immunoglobulin G4-related disease. No recurrence was observed in the patients so far. Subglottic mass is easy to be missed. Therefore, when the lesion is suspected in this area, the examination of ear, nose and throat should be carried out systematically to detect the lesion early and improve the prognosis.

Primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma: A clinicopathological study of 64 patients

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic indicators of primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC).

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from 64 primary PACC patients and analyzed retrospectively at the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, and the Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2003 to August 2023. The 64 patients (28 males and 36 females) were aged from 20 to 73 years, with a median age of 49 years and an average age of 49.3 years.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumors expressed CK7, S-100 protein, CK5/6, CD117, and p63. Seven patients underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing and three were found to have myeloblastosis (MYB) gene translocation. In total, 53 patients underwent surgery, among whom 31 received only surgery and 22 received both surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy. In addition, 10 patients received chemoradiotherapy only, while one patient underwent treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The overall survival rates in the first, third, and fifth years were 98.4%, 95.3%, and 87.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prognostic analysis revealed that age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis status, margin status, and choice of treatment modality significantly influenced the patients' prognosis.

Pathological nodal status as a main predictive factor of survival and treatment outcomes of submandibular salivary gland cancers: A 25-year single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Aim of this study was to explore the survival predictive factors and treatment outcomes in a cohort of SGC patients treated at a single center over a period of 25 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who had received primary treatment for SGC were enroled. Outcomes evaluated were: overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), recurrence free survival (RFS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients with SGC were enroled in the study. The most common tumor was the adenoid cystic carcinoma (60% of cases). Cumulative OS for 5-and 10-year follow up period was 81% and 60%, respectively. Thirteen patients (32.5%) developed distant metastases during follow-up. Nodal status, high-grade histology, tumor stage and adjuvant radiation-therapy (RT) were significant variables on multivariate analysis for survival and treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Submandibular gland carcinomas represent rare and heterogenous tumor group regarding histological appearance and locoregional and distant metastatic potential. Tumor histological grade, AJCC tumor stage and nodal status were the strongest predictive factors for survival and treatment outcomes. RT improved OS and locoregional treatment outcome, but not DFS. Elective neck dissection (END) could be beneficial for selected cases of SGC. Superselective neck dissection of levels I-IIa may be the level of dissection for END. Distant metastases were the main cause of death and treatment failure. Prognostic factors for poor DMFS were AJCC stage III and IV, high tumor grade and nodal status.

The Efficacy of Immunotherapy and Clinical Utility of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Background and Objectives: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck is generally slow-growing but has a high potential for local recurrence and metastasis to distant organs. There is currently no standard pharmacological treatment for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) ACC, and there are cases in which immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are administered for ACC according to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the efficacy of ICIs for ACC remains unclear, and the predictive biomarkers need to be elucidated. Materials and Methods: The Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) database enabled the retrospective but nationwide analysis of 263 cases of ACC of the head and neck. Then, we examined and reported four cases of ACC that received ICIs and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in our institution. Results: The C-CAT database revealed that 59 cases out of 263 received ICIs, and the best response was 8% of objective response rate (ORR) and 53% of disease control rate (DCR) (complete response, CR 3%, partial response, PR 5%, stable disease, SD 44%, progressive disease, PD 19%, not evaluated, NE 29%). The tumor mutational burden (TMB) in ACC was lower overall compared to HNSCC and could not be useful in predicting the efficacy of ICIs. Some cases with MYB structural variants showed the response to ICIs in the C-CAT database. A patient with MYB fusion/rearrangement variants in our institution showed long-term stable disease. Conclusions: ICI therapy is a potential treatment option, and the MYB structural variant might be a candidate for predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy in patients with R/M ACC.

Failure Patterns Within Different Histological Types in Sinonasal Malignancies: Making the Complex Simple

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the failure patterns in patients with different histological subtypes of sinonasal malignancies (SNMs).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospectively gathered data.

SETTING

Academic university hospital.

METHODS

Patients with SNMs treated at a tertiary referral center between January 1999 and January 2019 were included. We assessed the failure patterns within different histological subtypes.

RESULTS

The study included 897 patients. The median follow-up time was 100 months. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) had a moderate risk of developing local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM). Compared with ACC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma (AC), soft tissue sarcoma (STS), and mucosal melanoma (MM) were classified as a high LR risk group. For DM, neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), STS, and MM were in the high-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

ACC had intermediate local and distant failure risks, while SCC, AC, STS, and MM were at high LR risks. NEC, STS, and MM were at high DM risk.

Treatment and outcomes of minor salivary gland cancers of the larynx and trachea: a systematic review

Objectives

Malignant minor salivary glands carcinomas (MiSGC) of the larynx and trachea are rare tumours and published evidence is sparse. We conducted a systematic review to describe shareable treatment strategies and oncological outcomes of these neoplastic entities.

Methods

Full text English manuscripts published from January 1st 2000 to December 14th 2022 were included. Data on demographics, treatments and outcomes were collected. A pooled analysis of 5-year overall survival (OS) was performed.

Results

Seventeen articles and 365 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common subsites involved were subglottic and distal trachea. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was, by far, the most frequent histotype. The first-choice treatment strategy was surgery (86.8%), while adjuvant treatments were delivered in 57.4% of patients. Only 12.9% were treated with definitive radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy. The mean follow-up was 68.3 months. One hundred nine (34.9%) deaths were recorded and 62.4% were cancer-related. Five-year OS ranged from 20% to 100% and, at pooled analysis, it was 83% (range, 78-87%).

Conclusions

In case of MiSGC of the larynx and trachea, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Adjuvant treatments are frequently delivered. Survival estimates are good overall, but highly heterogeneous.

Prognostic factors for sublingual gland carcinoma: a population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical features and prognostic factors for sublingual gland carcinoma.

METHODS

This was a case-control study. Patients with surgically treated sublingual gland carcinoma were retrospectively included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database and divided into adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and non-ACC groups. Primary outcome variables were disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic factors for each group were analyzed using Cox models.

RESULTS

We included 251 patients (115 men and 136 women). Compared with the non-ACC group, the ACC group had a larger average tumor size and received more adjuvant radiotherapy. In patients with ACC, the pathologic grade had an independent impact on DSS and OS, and patients who were undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy had worse DSS than those who were not receiving chemotherapy. In the non-ACC group, pathologic grade IV, lymph node metastasis, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor DSS and OS, and tumor extension predicted worsening DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

In sublingual gland carcinoma, the pathologic grade and adjuvant chemotherapy were the most important prognostic factors, whereas lymph node metastasis had a negative impact in non-ACC patients but not in ACC patients.

[Misdiagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of oropharynx: a case report]

Adenoid cystic carcinoma usually occurs in the salivary glands of the head and neck. It is a malignant tumor with a high degree of malignancy, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and poor prognosis. The clinical course of adenoid cystic carcinoma is slow and easy to be misdiagnosed. The main diagnosis and treatment means are individualized and precise treatment under the multi-disciplinary consultation mode, that is, surgical treatment and radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is prone to relapse and hematologic metastasis, and the traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy based therapies have not achieved satisfactory efficacy in the past three decades. How to detect, diagnose and treat early is an urgent task faced by clinicians.

Successful Treatment with Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Durvalumab Maintenance Therapy in a Patient with Tracheal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of malignant tracheal tumor originating from the secretory glands. Complete surgical resection is the current standard of care for tracheal ACC. However, there have been few case reports of chemoradiotherapy for unresectable tracheal ACC. We herein report a 28-year-old man with unresectable tracheal ACC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by maintenance therapy with durvalumab. CCRT was completed with a good response and safety, and the patient is currently receiving durvalumab as maintenance therapy. Durvalumab after CCRT can be a treatment option for patients with unresectable tracheal ACC.

A Review of the Molecular Landscape of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) has a worldwide incidence of three to four cases per million population. Although more cases occur in the minor and major salivary glands, it is the most common lacrimal gland malignancy. ACC has a low-grade, indolent histological appearance, but is relentlessly progressive over time and has a strong proclivity to recur and/or metastasise. Current treatment options are limited to complete surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. Intra-arterial systemic therapy is a recent innovation. Recurrent/metastatic disease is common due to perineural invasion, and it is largely untreatable as it is refractory to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Given the rarity of this tumour, the molecular mechanisms that govern disease pathogenesis are poorly understood. There is an unmet, critical need to develop effective, personalised targeted therapies for the treatment of ACC in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. This review details the evidence relating to the molecular underpinnings of ACC of the lacrimal gland, including the MYB-NFIB chromosomal translocations, Notch-signalling pathway aberrations, DNA damage repair gene mutations and epigenetic modifications.

Clinicopathologic Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Mammary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Study

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is an uncommon type of invasive breast carcinoma with a favorable prognosis. However, some cases are aggressive. The study aims to define the clinicopathologic predictors of outcome. Clinical, radiological, and pathologic variables were recorded for 76 AdCC cases from 11 institutions. The following histologic characteristics were evaluated by the breast pathologist in each respective institution, including Nottingham grade (NG), percentages of various growth patterns (solid, cribriform, trabecular-tubular), percentage of basaloid component, tumor borders (pushing, infiltrative), perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, necrosis, and distance from the closest margin. Various grading systems were evaluated, including NG, salivary gland-type grading systems, and a new proposed grading system. The new grading system incorporated the growth pattern (percent solid, percent cribriform), percent basaloid morphology, and mitotic count using the Youden index criterion. All variables were correlated with recurrence-free survival. Nineteen (25%) women developed local and/or distant recurrence. Basaloid morphology (≥25% of the tumor) was identified in 20 (26.3%) cases and a solid growth pattern (using ≥60% cutoff) in 22 (28.9%) cases. In the univariate analysis, the following variables were significantly correlated with worse recurrence-free survival: solid growth pattern, basaloid morphology, lymphovascular invasion, necrosis, perineural invasion, and pN-stage. In the multivariate analysis including basaloid morphology, pN-stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion, basaloid morphology was statistically significant, with a hazard ratio of 3.872 (95% CI, 1.077; 13.924; P =.038). The NG and the new grading system both correlated with recurrence-free survival. However, grade 2 had a similar risk as grade 3 in the NG system and a similar risk as grade 1 in the new grading system. For solid growth patterns and basaloid morphology, using a 2-tier system with 1 cutoff was better than a 3-tier system with 2 cutoffs. Basaloid morphology and solid growth pattern have prognostic values for AdCC, with a 2-tier grading system performing better than a 3-tier system.

PRIMARY CUTANEOUS ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA IN THE TRUNK: CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Primary cystic adenoid skin carcinoma is a rare and poorly documented neoplasm in literature worldwide, with just over 250 reports. This work describes a 52-year-old male patient, with no comorbidities, who presented this neoplasm in nodular format in the posterior thoracic region, associated with localized pain and erythema - symptoms that led him to seek medical help. The clinical findings, differential diagnosis and treatment particularities were reviewed and correlated with the clinical case. The choice of type of surgical treatment was done considering the characteristics of the primary lesion that are associated with a worse prognosis. Despite its rarity, this neoplasm is easily identified through histological examination, the correct choice of treatment and patient follow-up, essential to increase survival. Thus, this work contributes to diminish the scarcity of literature related to this topic, especially the form of treatment employed.

Management of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Experience of the National Cancer Institute, Egypt

PURPOSE

This study presents the experience of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, in diagnosis and management of ACC of the head and neck.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 57 patients with ACC managed during the period from January 2011 to January 2016. Data about the characteristics and management of the disease were recorded. All patients were followed up to detect the development of local recurrence and distant metastasis and their management.

RESULTS

The mean age was 45.5 ± 15.1, with a femaleto-male ratio of 1.5:1. The minor salivary glands were affected in 61.4% of cases. Four patients (7%) were metastatic at presentation. The main presenting symptom was swelling, followed by pain. Surgical resection was performed in 48 patients (84.2%) followed by adjuvant radiotherapy in 36 of them. Four patients received radical radiotherapy. Treatment failed in 3 patients. Recurrences were recorded in 21 out of the 50 cured patients; 9 had locoregional recurrence, 9 had distant metastases, and 3 had both. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at three years were 79% and 57.1%, respectively. Surgical resection improved OS (p<0.001). Advanced T-stage, lymph node invasion, solid tumors, close or positive margins worsened OS. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with better DFS (p = 0.003), while solid tumors were associated with worse DFS.

CONCLUSION

Despite aggressive management with radical surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, recurrence affects 42% of the patients within three years. Patients with unresectable tumors have a poor prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves DFS but not OS.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: Overview and Update on Rare Prostate Cancer Subtypes

Adenoid cystic carcinoma/basaloid cell carcinoma of the prostate (ACC/BCC) is a very rare variant of prostate cancer with uncertain behavior. Few cases are reported in the literature. Data on treatment options are scarce. The aim of our work was to retrospectively review the published reports. Thirty-three case reports or case series were analyzed (106 patients in total). Pathological features, management, and follow-up information were evaluated. Despite the relatively low level of evidence given the unavoidable lack of prospective trials for such a rare prostate tumor, the following considerations were made: prostate ACC/BCC is an aggressive tumor often presenting with locally advanced disease and incidental diagnosis occurs during transurethral resection of the prostate for urinary obstructive symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen was not a reliable marker for diagnosis nor follow-up. Adequate staging with Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should be performed before treatment and during follow-up, while there is no evidence for the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Radical surgery with negative margins and possibly adjuvant radiotherapy appear to be the treatments of choice. The response to androgen deprivation therapy was poor. Currently, there is no evidence of the use of truly effective systemic therapies.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Intracranial Extension

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC) is a malignant tumor of salivary gland origin. ADCC of sinonasal tract is rare. We present a rare and unresectable case of sinonasal ADCC with intracranial extension in an 83-year-old man with the chief complaint of nasal congestion. Invasion to the maxillary sinus, nasopharynx, anterior cranial fossa, sella turcica and extension to cavernous sinus, dura mater and infratemporal fossa were evident on MRI and CT scan. The patient was treated only by palliative radiotherapy, but unfortunately, he died 3 months after the initial diagnosis.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sublingual gland developing lung metastasis 20 years after primary treatment: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that primarily occurs in the salivary glands. Distant metastases can develop despite favorable local control. Moreover, distant metastasis of ACC can occur after a long time interval without local recurrence. We report the first case of ACC of the sublingual gland that developed lung metastasis 20 years after primary treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 52-year-old man was referred to our department with a 1-year history of painful swelling on the right oral floor.

DIAGNOSIS

An incisional biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed malignancy.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical excision of the right oral floor and right supra-omohyoid neck dissection with postoperative chemoradiation therapy were performed, and ACC of the sublingual gland was diagnosed. Left pulmonary metastasis was detected 20 years after the primary treatment. Metastasectomy was performed; however, subsequently, skin and bone metastases developed.

OUTCOMES

After receiving palliative care, the patient died of multiple organ failure.

LESSONS

As late distant metastasis of salivary ACC can develop, patients who undergo primary treatment need a long-term, strict follow-up plan even if locoregional control is favorable.

Salivary Gland Cancers

Salivary gland carcinomas are a rare and heterogenous group of cancers with varying underlying biology and clinical behavior. A quickly evolving body of data has advanced the understanding of these tumors, leading to effective therapeutics for several histologic subtypes. Biologically rational clinical trials have developed from an understanding of MYB and NOTCH signaling in adenoid cystic carcinoma. The recognition of androgen receptor signaling and HER2-targeted therapy has offered therapeutic options in non-ACC salivary cancers. The use of TRK inhibitors in salivary secretory carcinoma has led to exceptional responses. Immunotherapy is an exciting new therapeutic avenue that requires further exploration.

Prognostic factors for local recurrence and survival and impact of local treatments on survival in lacrimal gland carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To identify prognostic factors for local recurrence, distant metastasis and disease-specific survival (DSS) for lacrimal gland carcinoma.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma treated from January 1998 through December 2018 were included. Log-rank tests and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to study risk factors and survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 patients were included in this study, and 5 patients were excluded from the survival analysis. Median age was 46 years (range: 10-76). 43 patients (78%) had adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). 31 patients (56%) had T2 disease at presentation. 28 patients (51%) underwent orbital exenteration with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation, 26 (47%) underwent eye-sparing surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation, and 1 received palliative chemoradiation. 11 patients (22%) experienced local recurrence; 14 (29%) experienced distant metastasis. Five- and 10-year local-recurrence-free survival rates were 0.71 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.88), and 5- and 10-year distant-metastasis-free survival rates were 0.67 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.85) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.81), respectively. There was no significant difference in risks of local recurrence, distant metastasis or DSS between ACC patients who had orbital exenteration and those who had eye-sparing surgery. Perineural invasion was negatively associated with local-recurrence-free survival (p=0.02). Among patients with ACC, basaloid/solid histologic type was associated with significantly worse DSS than non-basaloid/solid histologic type (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

For lacrimal gland carcinoma, orbital exenteration with adjuvant therapy and eye-sparing surgery with adjuvant therapy are associated with similar recurrence outcomes. Eye-sparing surgery is associated with better DSS. Perineural invasion is a risk factor for local recurrence. ACC with basaloid/solid subtype correlates with worse DSS.

PD-L1 and PD-L2 Expression Levels Are Low in Primary and Secondary Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas of the Orbit: Therapeutic Implications

PURPOSE

To determine if there is a biologic rationale for using checkpoint inhibitor drugs targeting programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 in the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the orbit.

METHODS

Twenty-three cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma involving the orbit (13 primary lacrimal gland, 5 secondarily extending into the orbit, and 5 unspecified) were examined histopathologically. Immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, PD-L2, and CD8 was performed. Charts were reviewed for clinical correlations.

RESULTS

Expression of PD-L1 and of PD-L2 was overall low in adenoid cystic carcinoma (mean expression 1.4 ± 0.9 of 5 for PD-L1, mean 0.83 ± 1.1 of 5 for PD-L2), and tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive T-lymphocytes were sparse (mean 1.1 ± 0.51 of 3). Only 13 of the 23 (57%) cases expressed PD-L1 as a combined positive score ≥1 of cells. No associations were found between expression levels of these markers and patient sex, tumor site of origin, Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage, or patient outcome. A significant association was observed between stromal PD-L1 expression and tumor histopathologic subtype (p = 0.05), and between tumor PD-L1 expression and prior exposure to radiation (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Checkpoint inhibitor drugs may have limited impact in the treatment and clinical course of orbital adenoid cystic carcinoma based on the low frequency of CD8 infiltrate and low expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2. Pretreatment with radiation, however, may improve tumor response to checkpoint inhibitor drugs.

Role of concurrent chemoradiation on locally advanced unresectable adenoid cystic carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare salivary gland tumor characterized by indolence, with a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) on locally advanced unresectable ACC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed ACC of the head and neck who received CCRT with cisplatin in Seoul National University Hospital between 2013 and 2018.

RESULTS

Ten patients with unresectable disease at the time of diagnosis or with positive margins after surgical resection received CCRT with weekly cisplatin. Eight patients (80%) achieved complete remission, of which three later developed distant metastases without local relapse; one patient developed distant metastasis and local relapse. Two patient achieved partial remission without progression. Patients experienced several toxicities, including dry mouth, radiation dermatitis, nausea, and salivary gland inflammation of mostly grade 1 to 2. Only one patient showed grade 3 oral mucositis. Median relapse-free survival was 34.5 months (95% confidence interval, 22.8 months to not reached).

CONCLUSION

CCRT with cisplatin is effective for local control of ACC with manageable toxicity and may be an effective treatment option for locally advanced unresectable ACC.

Prognostic factors and overall survival in a 15-year followup of patients with malignant salivary gland tumors: a retrospective analysis of 193 patients

INTRODUCTION

Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon pathological entities, representing less than 5% of head and neck neoplasms. The prognosis of patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands is highly variable and certain clinical factors can significantly influence overall survival.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinicopathologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence survival in patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed sex, age, race, education level, tumor location, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, margin status, treatment type, marital status, method of health care access and 15-year overall survival in 193 patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands. The X², log-rank Mantel-Cox, multinomial regression and Cox logistic regression tests were used (SPSS 20.0,p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The most common histological types were adenocarcinoma (32.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (31.1%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18.7%). The 15-year overall survival rate was 67.4%, with a mean of 116±6 months. The univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.026), age > 50 years (p=0.001), referral origin from the public health system (p=0.011), T stage (p= 0.007), M stage (p< 0.001), clinical stage (p< 0.001), compromised surgical margins (p= 0.013), and chemotherapy (p< 0.001) were associated with a poor prognosis. Multivariate analyses also showed that age > 50 years was independently associated with a poor prognosis (p= 0.016). The level of education was the only factor more prevalent in older patients (p= 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands older than 50 years have a worse prognosis and an independent association with a low education level.

[Salivary gland carcinoma]

Salivary gland cancer is a malignancy that arises in the head and neck area. It is not only rare but its clinical course is also very heterogeneous. A total of 22 different subtypes can be distinguished, the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of which may differ greatly. This means that both the diagnosis and treatment of the disease are prone to error. This is illustrated by two cases: a 62-year-old man with a salivary duct carcinoma, and a 56-year-old man with an adenoid cystic carcinoma. These cases are used to illustrate the advances that have been made in the treatment of salivary gland cancer.

Treatment outcomes of patients with tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma compared with those with adenoid cystic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (TMEC) is an extremely rare salivary gland-type neoplasm. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of TMEC and to compare them with those of another rare salivary gland-type neoplasm, tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC).

METHOD

We performed a retrospective review of all patients pathologically diagnosed with TMEC between 1965 and 2017 at our institution. We reviewed the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment methods and outcomes and compared the results of TMEC and TACC patients.

RESULTS

A total of 115 consecutive patients, including 107 who underwent surgery and 8 who received nonoperative therapy, were included in our study. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 97.89%, 94.17%, and 90.50%, respectively, in the surgical group and 83.33%, 41.67% and 0.00%, respectively, in the nonoperative group. The multivariate analysis showed that N stage was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). TMEC patients were younger, had a shorter complaint duration, had fewer symptoms, had more bronchial tumors, and were more likely to undergo surgical treatment and achieve an R0 resection (surgically treated patients) than TACC patients; furthermore, TMEC patients had a significantly better OS than TACC patients (P < 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

TMEC has different characteristics and a better prognosis than TACC, which may reflect the different biological behaviors of these two salivary gland neoplasms. Radical treatment and close follow-up are critical for surgically treated TMEC patients with lymph node metastasis.

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma: Three cases reports

INTRODUCTION

Laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC) is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. The etiology of LACC remains unknown, and it is characterized by multiple recurrences, slow progression, and late distant metastasis. This study aimed to provide more information regarding the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of LACC by analyzing 3 clinical cases and reviewing the literature on this topic.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we present all 3 cases of LACC within the period between 2010 and 2019. Dyspnea was the most commonly observed symptom in these patients, followed by hoarseness, pharyngeal paresthesia, and difficulty swallowing.

DIAGNOSIS

All patients were pathologically confirmed as LACC.

INTERVENTIONS

All the patients underwent a combined therapy of surgical resection plus external irradiation.

OUTCOMES

The follow-up time was between 2 and 6 years; no local recurrence occurred in any of the 3 patients. Lung metastasis was found in 1 patient 6 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

LACC is usually a slowly progressing cancer; the main treatment methods are surgery and radiotherapy, and the adequate radiotherapy dose should usually be greater than 60 Gy. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate is high; however, distant metastasis may still occur in patients with LACC even beyond 5 years after treatment. Therefore, patients with LACC require long-term surveillance.

Disparities in Postoperative Therapy for Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas

OBJECTIVES

The patterns of care for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) are unknown. We sought to assess predictors of receiving postoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy for patients with nonmetastatic, definitively resected ACC, as well as report unexpected nodal disease.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for definitively resected nonmetastatic ACC from 2004 to 2014. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional-hazard models were utilized. Propensity-score matched analysis was employed to reduce confounding variables.

RESULTS

A total of 3,136 patients met entry criteria: 2,252 (71.8%) received postoperative radiation, with 223 (7.4%) also receiving concurrent chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 4.87 years. In clinically lymph node negative (cN0) patients, 7.4% had pathologically positive lymph nodes (pN) + after elective neck dissection. Patients who lived closer to their treatment facility and had positive margins were more likely to receive postoperative radiation. Black patients and uninsured patients were less likely to receive radiation. Older age, male sex, advancing stage, and positive surgical margins were associated with worse overall survival (OS). With limited follow-up, receipt of radiation or chemotherapy was not associated with OS.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiation was frequently given for resected ACC, with a minority receiving chemotherapy. Black patients and uninsured patients were less likely to receive radiation. Postoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy had no association with OS but were given in greater frequency in more advanced disease, and our series is limited by short follow-up. The disparity findings for this rare disease need to be addressed in future studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c Laryngoscope, 129:377-386, 2019.

Prognostic significance of 1p36 locus deletion in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the salivary glands is characterized by MYB-NFIB or MYBL1-NFIB fusion, prolonged but relentlessly progressive clinical course with frequent recurrences, and development of distant metastasis resulting in high long-term mortality. Currently, no effective therapy is available for patients with advanced non-resectable and/or metastatic disease. Complicating the clinical management of this patient group is the lack of prognostic markers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of 1p36 loss in patients with AdCC. The presence of 1p36 deletion and gene fusions involving the MYB, NFIB, and MYBL1 genes in a cohort of 93 salivary gland AdCCs was studied using fluorescence in situ hybridization. These results were statistically correlated with clinical data and outcome. Deletion of 1p36 in AdCC was identified in 13 of 85 analyzable cases (15.29%). MYB-NFIB fusion was detected in 57/85 (67.1%), MYBL1-NFIB fusion in 12/85 (14.1%), MYB-X fusion in 4/85 (4.7%), MYBL1-X in 4/85 (4.7%), and NFIB-X in 2/85 (2.4%) of AdCC cases. None of the 1p36-deleted samples showed MYBL1 rearrangement. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between 1p36 deletion and advanced tumor stage and solid histology (p = 0.0061 and 0.0007, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed statistically significant correlations between 1p36 deletion and decreased overall survival, disease-specific survival, recurrence-free interval, and recurrence-free survival, all of which were maintained in multivariate analysis. We demonstrate that 1p36 deletion can serve as an indicator of unfavorable outcome of patients with salivary gland AdCC.

Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare subtype of invasive breast cancer. It has a particular interest because of its excellent prognosis conversely to other triple-negative breast cancers that are associated with poor prognosis. The place of chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains controversial and there is no consensus on optimal management of the ACC of the breast.

CASE REPORT

A 50-year-old woman, presented with a palpable right breast lump. Core biopsy of the lump revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma. A lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was performed and completed by a mastectomy because of the positive surgical margins. The histopathological examination revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma, with negative expression of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 HER2 and with no lymph node involvement. The patient underwent adjuvant sequential chemotherapy with anthracycline and taxane followed by radiotherapy. We discuss diagnosis, prognostic, and treatment options for ACC of the breast in light of existing literature.

CONCLUSION

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast is a rare variant of triple negative breast cancer with excellent prognosis. Surgical treatment is the mainstay with no clear consensus for radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Using Bar and Ball Attachments in Maxillary and Mandibular Implant-Supported Overdentures in a Patient with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Associated with Microstomia: A Clinical Report

Many clinical studies and literature reviews have suggested that bar and ball attachments in maxillary and mandibular implant-supported overdentures (ISOs) should be indicated only when there is sufficient interocclusal space (IOS; minimum = 30 mm). The aim of this clinical report was to present the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma associated with microstomia due to radiotherapy (IOS = 23 mm). ISOs offer superior retention and greater stability than conventional obturators, so that base extensions were kept to the minimum. Placing the balls parallel to the prosthesis path of insertion is much easier with this treatment modality.

Adjuvant Therapy for Salivary Gland Carcinomas

AIM

We compared the clinical outcomes and toxicity profile among a retrospective cohort of patients with primary major salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) treated with surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (S+RT) versus surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (S+CRT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients (71%) underwent S+RT and eight (29%) S+CRT at our Institution between 2006 and 2015. Microscopic positive margins were present in 54% of the patients.

RESULTS

The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 100% with S+RT and 87.5% with S+CRT (p=0.141) and locoregional control (LRC) was 95% with S+RT and 87.5% with S+CRT (p=0.383). There were no significant differences in the rate of acute (p=0.801) and late (p=0.714) toxicities.

CONCLUSION

While we await randomized data, adjuvant CRT may be considered as a viable therapeutic option for patients at high-risk of local or regional recurrence, especially in those with a positive microscopic margin where further surgery may result in functional cranial neuropathies.

Axillary lymph node metastases in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast. A rare finding

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare malignant salivary-type neoplasm that has a good prognosis and represents less than 1% of all breast cancers. It is a triple negative carcinoma that presents as a painful mass. The mean age at the time of diagnosis is 50-60 years old. The solid variant of this type of tumour with basaloid features and presence of nodal metastases is very rare and considered to have a more aggressive clinical course. We present a case with presence of axillary lymph node metastases that was successfully treated with no evidence of recurrence one year after the diagnosis and review the literature.

[Tracheal Resection and Primary Anastomosis for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Using an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation]

We report a case of tracheal resection and primary anastomosis for adenoid cystic carcinoma using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A 45-year-old female was referred to our hospital because of a tracheal tumor that occupied most of the tracheal lumen. In case of airway obstruction by the tracheal tumor during anesthesia and operation, we decided to use ECMO before induction of general anesthesia. Under secure respiratory control using ECMO, tracheal resection and primary anastomosis was performed. Since histopathological examination revealed microscopically positive results at the surgical margin, postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy( 60 Gy/30 Fr) was conducted. Although a tracheal tumor is a relatively rare neoplasm, careful planning and a treatment strategy are necessary with special emphasis on the location and size of tumor. In this case, ECMO made a substantial contribution to secure respiratory control during surgery.

Correlation of Histopathological Variants, Cellular DNA Content, and Clinical Outcome in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between flow cytometrically measured DNA ploidy with prognostically important histopathologic groups and clinical outcome in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands.

STUDY DESIGN: 46 tumor specimens were analyzed flow cytometrically for DNA content and assessed for histological grade. Correlations were made between tumor DNA ploidy and histopathological grade, and disease-free and overall survival of these patients.

RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 31 had a cribiform/tubular histologic pattern, and 15 had a solid pattern. 84% of the tumors with cribriform/tubular pattern were DNA diploid, compared with 33% of tumors that were graded solid. This difference proved to be statistically significant (χ 2 11.75, P = 0.0006). Overall and disease-free survival periods were longer for patients with DNA diploid tumors in both groups, 63% vs. 36% and 62% vs 38%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Tumor DNA ploidy correlates with prognostically important tumor histopathology as well as overall and disease-free survival in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. EBM rating: B-3.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland: A 35-Year Review

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment results of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the submandibular gland at a single institution during a 35-year period.

STUDY DESIGN & SETTING: A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 22 patients with ACC of the submandibular gland treated at UCLA Medical Center from June 1963 to December 1997.

RESULTS: Seven men and 15 women with an age range of 23 to 85 years (median, 48 years) were treated. Surgical intervention was performed in 21 patients. All patients with advanced tumor size, perineural invasion, microscopically positive surgical margins, or regional neck metastases received postoperative adjunctive therapy, primarily radiotherapy. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 181 months (median, 67 months). Disease-free survival at 3, 5, and 10 years was 66%, 57%, and 41% respectively, whereas overall survival was 76%, 70%, and 37%, respectively (note: 5- and 10-year survival rates are not statistically conclusive due to the small sample size).

CONCLUSIONS: We report fairly high disease-free survival rates in this patient population and a number of prognostic trends are evident. Early diagnosis, wide surgical intervention, and postoperative radiation are associated with a favorable prognosis. Advanced tumor size, positive surgical margins, perineural invasion, and local recurrence of the tumor are associated with an unfavorable prognosis. EBM rating: C.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Breast: Clinicopathologic Study of Seven Cases

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare type of tumor. Our objective was to determine the clinicopathologic features of breast ACC. We reviewed slides of breast ACC reported during 12 years. Seven cases were identified. Age ranged from 38 to 59 years (mean = 47 years). Mean tumor size was 2.3 cm (range 1.2 to 4 cm). Histologically, dominant cribriform pattern was seen in 4 cases, solid in 2 and tubular in one case. Mitotic figures ranged from 2 to 22/10 HPFs. Grades I and II were seen in 3 cases each while 1 was grade III. Post-surgical tamoxifen given in 3 cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2 and 1 case, respectively. Follow-up ranged from 12.5 - 138.5 months (mean = 61. 25 months). One patient developed vertebral metastasis. Consistent with published data, this series indicated that ACC-breast has a good prognosis.

[Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare but highly challenging disease with unmet therapeutic needs: A case-report and review of the literature]

Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare tumour. Compared with others nasopharyngeal tumours, it is characterised by slow evolution but it is locally aggressive and has a high tendency to recurrences. Due to the rarity of cases, no consensus exists about treatment approaches. We report the case of 45-year-old-man with a locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient received concurrent chemoradiation and had a good objective response. After one year, he developed a paucisymptomatic lung metastasis. The follow-up showed local recurrence after 3 years. One cycle of chemotherapy was given but poorly supported. Carbon ion radiotherapy was proposed. The aim of this work is to review the literature concerning this rare malignancy and discusses treatment approaches in initial situations and during recurrences.

Cervical lymph node metastasis in adenoid cystic carcinoma of oral cavity and oropharynx: A collective international review

The purpose of this study was to suggest general guidelines in the management of the N0 neck of oral cavity and oropharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) in order to improve the survival of these patients and/or reduce the risk of neck recurrences. The incidence of cervical node metastasis at diagnosis of head and neck AdCC is variable, and ranges between 3% and 16%. Metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes of intraoral and oropharyngeal AdCC varies from 2% to 43%, with the lower rates pertaining to palatal AdCC and the higher rates to base of the tongue. Neck node recurrence may happen after treatment in 0-14% of AdCC, is highly dependent on the extent of the treatment and is very rare in patients who have been treated with therapeutic or elective neck dissections, or elective neck irradiation. Lymph node involvement with or without extracapsular extension in AdCC has been shown in most reports to be independently associated with decreased overall and cause-specific survival, probably because lymph node involvement is a risk factor for subsequent distant metastasis. The overall rate of occult neck metastasis in patients with head and neck AdCC ranges from 15% to 44%, but occult neck metastasis from oral cavity and/or oropharynx seems to occur more frequently than from other locations, such as the sinonasal tract and major salivary glands. Nevertheless, the benefit of elective neck dissection (END) in AdCC is not comparable to that of squamous cell carcinoma, because the main cause of failure is not related to neck or local recurrence, but rather, to distant failure. Therefore, END should be considered in patients with a cN0 neck with AdCC in some high risk oral and oropharyngeal locations when postoperative RT is not planned, or the rare AdCC-high grade transformation.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical vulvectomy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: a case report and review of the literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of Bartholin's gland is a rare variant and around 90 cases have been reported. Herein, the authors re port a locally advanced ACC of Bartholin's gland that was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by right radical hemi-vulvectomy and reconstruction with a gracilis musculocutanous flap. There was no evidence of recurrence after three years of follow up.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma: current therapy and potential therapeutic advances based on genomic profiling

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with high potential for recurrence and metastasis. Efficacy of current treatment options, particularly for advanced disease, is very limited. Recent whole genome and exome sequencing has dramatically improved our understanding of ACC pathogenesis. A balanced translocation resulting in the MYB-NFIB fusion gene appears to be a fundamental signature of ACC. In addition, sequencing has identified a number of other driver genes mutated in downstream pathways common to other well-studied cancers. Overexpression of oncogenic proteins involved in cell growth, adhesion, cell cycle regulation, and angiogenesis are also present in ACC. Collectively, studies have identified genes and proteins for targeted, mechanism-based, therapies based on tumor phenotypes, as opposed to nonspecific cytotoxic agents. In addition, although few studies in ACC currently exist, immunotherapy may also hold promise. Better genetic understanding will enable treatment with novel targeted agents and initial exploration of immune-based therapies with the goal of improving outcomes for patients with ACC.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the minor salivary glands: a retrospective series of 29 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 78% of minor salivary gland tumors are malignant, of which adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) represents 15% in our series. ACC is an uncommon tumor characterized by slow growth and a high potential for recurrence. This series of 29 consecutive patients examines clincopathologic features, management, and survival outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review of 29 patients with ACC of the minor salivary glands in a period of 23 years (1989 and 2012).

RESULTS

The mean age was 61.2 years (16-89 years), with no gender predilection. The majority occurred in the palate/maxilla (66%) and initial presentation was stage IV. Mean follow-up was 42.6 months. Recurrence rate was 10% local, 14% distant over the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

The palate/maxilla is the preferred location for occurrence, and initial presentation at stage IV is common. Postoperative radiation remains a common strategy to prevent local recurrence in lesions with adverse features.

Head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma: A prospective multicenter REFCOR study of 95 cases

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical, histological and therapeutic characteristics of a prospective multicenter series of 95 head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma patients, and to determine any prognostic factors for disease-free survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-five patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma were included in the Réseau d'Expertise Français Des Cancers ORL Rares (REFCOR, French Rare Head and Neck Cancer Expert Network) database between 2009 and 2012. The primary site was the salivary glands in 39 cases, sinus cavities (including hard palate) in 36 cases, pharynx-larynx-trachea in 14 cases, and lips and oral cavity in 4 cases. The tumor was stage I in 15% of cases, stage II in 23%, stage III in 26% and stage IV in 36%. Nine patients had cervical lymph node involvement and 5 had metastases at diagnosis. Fifty-six percent of patients were managed by surgery with postoperative radiation therapy. During follow-up, 3 patients died, 9 developed metastases and 12 showed recurrence or local progression.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 18 months. On univariate analysis, disease-free survival correlated with T stage (P=0.05), N stage (P=0.003), resection margins (P=0.04), lymph node involvement on histology (P=0.01), and absence of chemotherapy (P=0.03). On multivariate analysis, disease-free survival correlated with T stage (P=0.01), N stage (P=0.09) and surgery (P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

The essential issue in adenoid cystic carcinoma is long-term control. The present results confirm that the reference attitude is radical surgical resection for optimal local control. Adjuvant radiation therapy did not emerge as a prognostic factor. This study also provides a starting-point for translational studies in pathology and genetics.

The efficacy of superselective intra-arterial infusion with concomitant radiotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

CONCLUSIONS

Superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) is considered to be one of the treatments of choice for patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) who prefer not to undergo radical surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of RADPLAT for patients with ACC of the head and neck.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2001-2010, nine patients with untreated ACC were given superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin (100-120 mg/m(2)/week) with simultaneous intravenous infusion of thiosulfate to neutralize cisplatin toxicity and radiotherapy (65-70 Gy).

RESULTS

Five patients had tumors arising in the base of the tongue, two in the maxillary sinus, and the remaining two in the nasopharynx. The median follow-up period was 9 years 7 months (9;7) (range = 4;6-12;5), and the 5-year local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival rates were 88.9%, 88.9%, and 55.6%, respectively. The 10-year OS rate was 57.1%, but all patients who remained alive for over 10 years are still alive with disease. Primary tumor recurrence was observed in five of the nine patients, with the median time to recurrence being 6 years (range = 4-9 years). Five of the nine patients had distant metastasis, and of these three patients also had primary recurrence.

Primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma: clinicopathological analyses of 12 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adenoid cystic primary pulmonary carcinomas (adenoid cystic carcinomas or ACCs) are rare tumors, so we described the clinical and pathological features of these tumors and related these findings with diagnosis and prognosis of ACC, comparing our data to the existing literature.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological features of 12 ACC cases were observed and described. Immunohistochemical EnVision staining, fluorescent PCR detection, and FISH were used to characterize tumor samples and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 12 ACC cases (7 male; average 53.1 years-of-age; range 33-78 years), the chief presentation symptom was cough, followed by expectoration, gasping, and bloody sputum. Microscopically, histopathology revealed cribriform, tubular, or solid cords. CD117 was overexpressed in glandular epithelia in 9 cases and calcitonin and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) were overexpressed in 4 cases. One case was positive for EML4 ALK gene rearrangement.

CONCLUSION

ACC is a low-grade malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high recurrence and metastases. TTF-1 expression indicates a primary tumor and CD117 expression is not significant to prognosis.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right main bronchus showing squamous differentiation and mimicking mucoepidermoid carcinoma: a case report

Complete dissection of tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) by surgery alone is sometimes difficult and has a greater propensity than tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (TMEC) for its surgical margin to become positive. In addition, TACC is more likely to present distant metastases than TMEC. Considering these facts, TACC and TMEC should be differentiated based on histopathological examination of biopsy specimens. Herein, we present a case of 54-year-old woman with a tumor in the right main bronchus, whose biopsy specimen was difficult to diagnose as TACC or TMEC. The specimen from the rounded protrusion of the tumor showed squamous differentiation, along with the presence of glandular and basaloid cells, making morphological examination alone ineffective in rendering a definite diagnosis. Thus, the addition of immunohistochemical analysis, αSMA and CD43 expression in basaloid cells and c-kit expression in glandular cells, was useful for accurately diagnosing TACC in this case. The squamous component was considered to be neoplastic because of its increased expression of cyclin D1 and overexpression of p16. The surgically resected specimen contained typical morphology of ACC, and the diagnosis of TACC was definitely confirmed.

[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal: 8 cases report]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical and pathological features of adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC) of external auditory canal (EAC, and analyze the possible factors related to prognosis.

METHOD

One out of 8 patients with ACC of EAC underwent tumor open biopsy. 5 patients underwent the extensive tumor resection, and 2 patients underwent the modified lateral temporal bone resection (1 of the 2 subjoined a total parotidectomy). Five patients received the postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULT

The time of follow up was 5-97 months. Two patients were loss to follow-up, 5 patients with disease free survival, and 1 patient survival with tumor.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ACC of EAC is more often observed in female. The most common clinical manifestations are otalgia and neoplasm which grows slowly. The disease has high misdiagnosis rate. Surgical treatment is effective for it.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal with metastases to lymph nodes and lungs--problematic diagnosis and treatment based on a case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) is an exceedingly rare tumor. Despite the slow growth it is characterized by a high malignancy and infiltration of surrounding tissue. Differential diagnosis may be especially difficult if the tumor appears in an atypical localization as it can present with non-specific features. The optimal treatment of this malignancy has not been fully established. We present a case report of a 55-year-old man with ACC of EAC metastasizing to the lymph nodes, lungs and vertebrae, with intracranial involvement. The patient was initially diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of EAC based on MR imaging examinations and excisional biopsy from EAC. Current information about nomenclature, epidemiology, characteristic features and treatment possibilities of ACC are presented and difficulties in making diagnosis are discussed. ACC should be considered among the malignant tumors of EAC. Its natural behavior is probably more unpredictable than commonly thought. Similar cases are rare and our knowledge about the tumor's specificity and prognosis is limited.

[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland: clinicopathological study]

PURPOSE

To clarify the clinicopathologic features including outcome of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from the lacrimal gland.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Background of patients, TNM classification, treatments, histopathological findings and the outcome were examined for 10 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland diagnosed at Tokyo Medical University Hospital.

RESULTS

Patients included 6 men and 4 women and the average age was 49.5 years old. Four patients (40%) developed distant metastases and 5 patients (50%) showed local recurrence. Three patients died or progressed to palliative care, and the 5 year survival rate was 55.5% (Kaplan-Meier). The patients with progression of more than T3 in TNM classification and solid pattern in histopathological findings suggested poor outcome. Although heavy ion radiotherapy was performed in 4 patients, 2 patients died or progressed to palliative care.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is related to TNM classification and histological type. Medical treatment including heavy ion radiotherapy was performed, the outcome was poor.