[A case of metastatic salivary duct carcinoma successfully treated with trastuzumab-based targeted therapy]
Abstract:
Salivary duct carcinoma is a malignant salivary neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Effective treatment for remote metastases has not been recognized. We report herein on a case of this tumor overexpressing HER2 successfully treated with trastuzumab-based molecular targeted therapy. The patient was a 69-year-old man, who developed remote metastases into the liver and the thoracic vertebra six months after surgery and postoperative irradiation for the primary and nodal lesions. After targeted therapy including paclitaxel and trastuzumab, these metastatic lesions showed rapid and continued regression. After paclitaxel was discontinued due to peripheral neuropathy in the extremities, trastuzumab monotherapy followed without resulting in cardiotoxicity. After three years since development of remote metastases, the patient is doing well without re-progression of the disease.
Insights
Salivary duct carcinoma with HER2 overexpression can be effectively treated with trastuzumab-based molecular targeted therapy, even for remote metastases. This approach led to sustained regression and positive outcomes in a patient with advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
Background:
- Salivary duct carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options for distant metastases.
- The prognosis for patients with metastatic salivary duct carcinoma is generally poor, with no established effective therapies for advanced disease.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male patient with salivary duct carcinoma developed liver and thoracic vertebra metastases six months post-surgery and irradiation.
- The patient's tumor was found to overexpress Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2).
Findings:
- Treatment with paclitaxel and trastuzumab resulted in rapid and sustained regression of metastatic lesions.
- Trastuzumab monotherapy was effective and well-tolerated after paclitaxel discontinuation due to peripheral neuropathy.
- The patient remained disease-free for three years after the onset of metastases.
Implications:
- Trastuzumab-based therapy offers a promising treatment strategy for HER2-overexpressing salivary duct carcinoma with metastases.
- Molecular targeted therapy can significantly improve outcomes in patients with advanced salivary duct carcinoma.
- This case highlights the potential of HER2-targeted agents in managing refractory metastatic salivary duct carcinoma.
More Related Videos
07:44Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
13:59High-Content Screening Assay for the Identification of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Modifying Compounds
Published on: August 18, 2023
