Clinicopathologic study of salivary duct carcinoma and the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy

ObjectiveSalivary duct carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor of the salivary glands. The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinicopathological features of salivary duct carcinoma and to determine whether androgen deprivation therapy should be recommended.Study design and MethodsThe clinical records of seven patients diagnosed with salivary duct carcinoma between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively assessed. Tumor specimens were examined for overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and androgen receptor by immunohistochemistry. A case of androgen receptor-positive salivary duct carcinoma who received androgen deprivation therapy is presented.ResultsOf the seven patients, 43% had recurrences and metastases, and the 5-year survival rate was 68.6%. All patients were androgen receptor-positive, and 71% were HER2-positive. One patient, a 66-year-old man with androgen receptor-positive salivary duct carcinoma, received oral bicalutimide for 14 months and practically all lung metastases disappeared.ConclusionAndrogen receptor is often overexpressed in salivary duct carcinoma. Androgen deprivation therapy is safe and should be considered for patients with androgen receptor-positive salivary duct carcinoma.