HER2 IN SALIVARY DUCT DUCTAL CARCINOMA

Head Neck. 2013 Jul 15. doi: 10.1002/hed.23429. [Epub ahead of print]

HER2-amplified salivary duct carcinoma: Regression with dual HER2 inhibition and anti-VEGF combination treatment.

Falchook GS, Lippman SM, Bastida CC, Kurzrock R.

Source

Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb Boulevard, Unit 455, Houston, TX, 77030.

Abstract

Background: Salivary ductal carcinoma is a rare cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. HER2-directed treatment has been attempted in HER2-amplified or overexpressed salivary gland malignancies with limited success. Methods: We report resolution of measurable disease and minimal residual disease in a patient with salivary duct cancer treated with trastuzumab, lapatinib, and bevacizumab, with treatment ongoing for more than two years. Results: This treatment has been tolerated well except for grade 2 diarrhea and mucositis, which required a dose reduction of lapatinib to 1000 mg daily. The response observed was achieved in spite of receiving extensive prior therapy, including trastuzumab and/or chemotherapy for 20 months on which his tumors progressed. Conclusions: The combination of trastuzumab, lapatinib, and bevacizumab may warrant investigation as a non-cytotoxic alternative for treatment of HER2-amplified or overexpressed salivary duct carcinoma and other HER2-amplified or overexpressed salivary gland tumors, particularly those not responsive to trastuzumab monotherapy. Head Neck, 2013.