Metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland responding to cetuximab plus weekly paclitaxel after no response to weekly paclitaxel alone

Abstract

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary gland frequently develops lung metastases. In cases in which chemotherapy is indicated, resistance is a common phenomenon. New drugs, such as cetuximab, have been chosen to avoid this chemoresistance.

Methods and results: A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with ACC of the right submandibular gland. He underwent a submandibular gland resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. Three years later, bilateral lung metastases were diagnosed and treated with various chemotherapy schedules, including paclitaxel without success. We obtained radiographic response, followed by disease stabilization for more than 1 year with the addition of cetuximab to paclitaxel administered at low weekly doses (metronomic schedule).

Conclusion: This case demonstrates for the first time a reversion of primary resistance to chemotherapy in ACC that is currently considered chemoresistant by use of a combination of metronomic chemotherapy with new targeted agents such as cetuximab. Metronomic chemotherapy was also well tolerated and achieved long-term response.