Recurrent/metastatic salivary gland malignancies (RMSGM): Final report of 60 cases treated with cisplatin plus vinorelbine (DDP+VNB).

Abstract

5548 Background: RMSGM are not amenable to the usual treatment with surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. The role of chemotherapy (CT) for RMSGM is palliative only. VNB showed moderate activity in our experience (Bull Cancer 85:892;1998) and in a randomized phase II trial we had demonstrated that the DDP+VNB combination had a better outcome than VNB alone (Cancer 91:541; 2001). In this abstract we report the final results of this combination in 60 cases. Methods: From April 2001 to February 2009 , 60 cases with RMSGM were enrolled. All patients received the following regimen: DDP 80 mg/sm d.1 + VNB 25 mg/sm d. 1,8 every 3 weeks. The study foresees a maximum of 6 cycles. Results: Patients characteristics were as follows: 35 males (58%) and 25 females (42%).; median age: 56 yrs (range 20-68); median ECOG PS: 1 (0-2); histology: adenocarcinoma 15 (25%), adenoid cystic ca. 34 (57%), others 11 (18%); site of disease: local 30 (50%) , mts +/- local 30 (50%). Forty-two pts received DDP+VNB as first line CT (70%) while 18 pts (30%) had the combination as second-line CT (30%). After a median of 5 cycles of first line DDP+VNB responses were: 3 CR (7%), 10 PR (24%), 14 NC (33%) and 15 PD (36%). After a median of 4 cycles of second line CT responses were: 0 CR; 1 PR (5%), 6 NC (33%) 11 PD (62%). Median survival: 10 months (3-29) for first line CT ; 4 months (1-12) for second line CT. G3-4 toxicity: neutropenia (20%), anemia (12%), nausea/vomiting (12%) , peripheral toxicity (3%). Conclusions: DDP+VNB is an effective first line CT in RMSGM ; second line CT has a low palliative activity. Toxicity seems acceptable. This regimen could be suitable for an integration with new biologic target agents.