A potential role for sex hormone receptor antagonists in treatment of malignant salivary gland tumours, as compared to breast cancer: A review of literature

Malignant salivary gland tumours (MSGTs) account for less than 5% of all cancers of the head and neck. However, their treatment represents a challenge to oral and maxillofacial specialists. Surgical resection followed by radiation therapy represents the primary treatment of localized MSGTs. Since breast and salivary glands share similar morphologic features; similarities in the pathological processes are also expected. Adjuvant hormonal therapy is recommended for breast tumours containing hormone receptor protein. The expression of sex hormones in MSGTs, and their potential use in treatment is still controversial. This review article discusses three types of tumours arising in the breast and salivary glands; namely mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and salivary duct carcinoma. The expression of sex hormone receptor proteins and the potential use of hormone receptor antagonists in treatment are also being addressed.