Concurrent chemoradiation for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

Head Neck. 2012 Sep;34(9):1263-8. doi: 10.1002/hed.21905. Epub 2011 Nov 15.

Abstract

Background: We performed a retrospective review of patients with nonresected head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) treated with concurrent chemoradiation.

Methods: Sixteen patients (nasopharynx 7, oropharynx 4, trachea 3, oral and nasal cavity 1 each) were treated at 3 tertiary care centers. Six patients received intraarterial cisplatin and 10 received intravenous cisplatin or carboplatin concurrently with radiation.

Results: Thirteen patients are alive, 7 without signs of disease with a median follow-up of 61 months. Tumor progression was noted in 8 patients (50%) (distant metastasis in 5 patients and local tumor progression in 3 patients) with a median time to progression of 25 months (range, 4-52 months). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS) rates at 5 years were 87%, 39%, and 61%, respectively.

Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiation is a feasible treatment option and may lead to sustained locoregional tumor control in patients with nonresected ACC of the head and neck.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Carboplatin / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / radiotherapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage*
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Carboplatin
  • Cisplatin