Natural history of salivary gland secretory carcinoma: A REFCOR study

Salivary gland Secretory Carcinoma (SC), characterized by Skalova in 2010 is a rare tumor studied within the REFCOR (French Network of experts on Rare Head and Neck Cancers). We conducted a prospective multicentric cohort study of 108 SC cases in the REFCOR database up to July 2021, analyzing diagnostic, therapeutic, and survival data.

Data was collected prospectively from diagnosis to the last update. Each patient had two histological readings including one by a REFCORpath pathologist, and all cases underwent molecular testing to confirm diagnosis. Statistical analyses were performed using R software.

MRI was not contributive to malignancy diagnosis. After 2 histological readings, 79 % of patients were diagnosed, with 21 % requiring molecular testing to confirm diagnosis. Surgical treatment typically involved tumor excision and lymph node dissection. The tumor exhibited low lymph node involvement, with 95 % of patients being cN0, and no nodal metastases post-dissection. Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 91.4 % {95 % CI (0.84-1)} and 89 % {95 % CI (0.81; 0.98)} respectively, indicating a favorable prognosis.

SC is a rare and newly recognized tumor, with generally favorable outcomes. Our cohort, among the largest to date, provides valuable insights. Future research should refine treatment guidelines.