Eye-sparing multidisciplinary approach for the management of lacrimal gland carcinoma

We analyzed local control and early ocular toxicity after eye-sparing management of lacrimal gland carcinoma.

For consecutive patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma treated during 2007 to 2014, we reviewed tumor characteristics, treatment details, ocular toxic effects, and recurrence.

Twenty patients, median age 55 years, were treated for lacrimal gland carcinoma during the study period; 11 had globe-sparing surgery. Seven patients had adenoid cystic carcinoma, 2 had carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, and 1 each had high-grade and low-grade adenocarcinoma. Ten patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy, median 60 Gy (range, 52-64 Gy), 6 with concurrent chemotherapy. At a median of 30 months after radiation, all patients had dry eye syndrome, and 1 patient had severe corneal and conjunctival damage leading to enucleation. All 11 patients were disease free at last contact, median follow-up after surgery of 33 months.

An eye-sparing approach with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is feasible for selected patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma and is associated with a reasonable locoregional control and ocular toxicity profile. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1258-1262, 2016.