Salivary Duct Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Is Adjuvant HER-2-Targeted Therapy Required?

Abstract

Purpose: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) of the parotid gland is a highly aggressive and uncommon tumor. Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is characteristic of SDC. HER-2 overexpression is considered a poor prognostic marker for SDC, and anti-HER-2 therapy has been suggested as a therapeutic option. Materials and Methods: Two patients with SDC were analyzed for HER-2 overexpression and gene amplification using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: In 1 patient, no expression of HER-2 was found. In the other patient, HER-2 was demonstrated. The patient with HER-2 overexpression had a worse prognosis, and trastuzumab proved to be an effective treatment. Conclusions: The present results have also suggested that HER-2 overexpression is associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, HER-2 status should be evaluated at least in the presence of advanced SDC, and targeted therapy should be considered in the adjuvant setting. (C) 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons