Hormonal treatmetn for salivary gland cancer -pro
Breast and salivary glands are both tubulo-acinar exocrine glands with similar morphologic features. The same types of neoplasms can arise in both sites; such as pleomorphic adenoma, myoepithelioma, acinic cell carcinoma, oncocytic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), and salivary duct carcinoma (SDC)]. They all often express hormonal receptors that can be potentially targeted, and hormonal therapy is an established modality for breast cancer.
To date, no phase II trials have been performed. Elkin and Jacobs in 2008 reported partial remission of two cases of AdCC in which tamoxifen, an ER antagonist, was used. Both patients obtained long-term stability of disease with no associated toxicity. In 2003, Locati et al. reported complete remission of a recurrent case of AR-expressing adenocarcinoma in the parotid gland. The 73-year old patient received a complete anti-androgen blockade with monthly triptorelin and bicalutamide. Skin lesions reduced rapidly, until disappearance 2 months later. Complete remission was confirmed by a CT scan.
In conclusion, evidence for the requested treatment is scant and preliminary and there is no support for its use as maintenance.
T.A. Omar, F. ElDidi, W.M. Nawar, A potential role for sex hormone receptor antagonists in treatment of malignant salivary gland tumours, as compared to breast cancer: A review of literature. Tanta Dental Journal Volume 10, Issue 2, August 2013, Pages 75-85
NCCN, Salivary gland cancer, 2018