[Salivary gland cancer: new therapeutic approaches]

Ruth Gabriela Herrera Gomez1, Nuria Mederos1, Petr Szturz1

  • 1Service d'oncologie médicale, Département d'oncologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, 1011 Lausanne.

Insights

Molecular alterations in rare salivary gland cancers, like HER2 and NOTCH mutations, offer new therapeutic targets. Screening for these biomarkers is crucial for personalized treatment in advanced disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Genetics

Context:

  • Salivary gland carcinomas are rare tumors with diverse subtypes and poor chemotherapy response.
  • Histological variations influence clinical behavior and patient prognosis.
  • Limited treatment options exist for recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancers.

Purpose:

  • To highlight key molecular alterations in salivary gland carcinomas.
  • To emphasize the role of these alterations as potential therapeutic targets.
  • To advocate for mandatory molecular screening in advanced disease.

Summary:

  • Identified molecular targets include human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and androgen receptors in salivary duct cancer.
  • NOTCH mutations are observed in adenoid cystic carcinoma.
  • NTRK gene fusions are found in secretory carcinoma, representing actionable targets.

Impact:

  • Molecular screening enables individualized treatment strategies for patients.
  • Targeted therapies based on identified biomarkers can improve outcomes.
  • This approach shifts towards precision medicine in salivary gland cancer management.

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.8K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.7K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
587
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
449
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K