Carcinoma of major salivary glands

Ninety-four patients with carcinoma of the major salivary glands seen at Indiana University Hospitals from 1960-1977 were studied. Eighty-four patients completed their planned course of therapy, and 49 of 84 patients remain alive with no evidence of disease 2-17 years following treatment. Comparison has been made for three modalities: surgery alone, radiation therapy alone, and a combined approach. Surgery alone was used for treatment of early lesions, and 22 of 38 patients (58%) remain free of disease. Radiation therapy alone was used for advanced cases and palliation, and 6 of 16 patients (37.5%) remain free of disease. In the combination treatment, 21 of 30 patients (70%) are alive and free of disease. In the combination treatment, 21 of 30 patients (70%) are alive and free of disease from 2-17 years after treatment. Ten patients did not complete treatment and all of these patients died of disease.