Demography, patterns of care, and survival outcomes in patients with salivary duct carcinoma: an individual patient data analysis of 857 patients

Aim: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. The optimal treatment protocols are debated. Methodology: A systematic search and individual patient data analysis of published cases of SDC was performed. SPSS v21 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Data of 857 patients available. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the entire cohort 42 months and 24 months. Nodal involvement, males, primary size >5 cm, androgen receptor (AR) negativity significantly worse OS. Patients with surgery had a favorable median PFS (p - 0.000) and OS (p - 0.077). Patients with adjuvant radiation had better PFS (30 vs 18 months; p = 0.077). Conclusion: SDC has modest survival. Surgery and adjuvant radiation should be advocated for all patients. AR expression appears prognostic for survival.

Automated summary

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. The optimal treatment protocols are debated. The study found that surgery and adjuvant radiation have positive effects on the survival of patients with SDC, and AR expression is associated with survival prognosis.