Successful primary radiation therapy of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a distinctive malignant neoplasm generally arising from minor salivary glands, that arises infrequently as a primary tumor in the lung. Surgery has been considered the primary treatment, with radiotherapy generally utilized as adjuvant or palliative treatment. We report a patient in whom primary radiotherapy was sucessfully applied to treat adenoid cystic carcinoma involving the distal trachea, carina, and both main stem bronchi. A total dose of 66 Gy was delivered in 2-Gy fractions over a 7-week period. Clinically and histologically complete remission was achieved without evidence of disease during a 27-month follow up.