Relapsing high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma

• Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 2012-06, Vol.188 (6), p.518
• Main Authors: Milanovic, D, Jeremic, B, Kayser, G, Rischke, Hc, Pfeiffer, J, Henke, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0179-7158; 1439-099X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00066-012-0096-1

The treatment strategy for inoperable recurrent mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is not well established. Here, we present a case of a relapsed high grade MEC of the salivary glands of the hard palate that was successfully treated with a reirradiation (re-RT) and cetuximab, an antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Twelve years after resection and adjuvant radiotherapy for high grade MEC of the salivary glands, a patient presented with inoperable recurrent disease. She received another 59.4 Gy. In addition, 400 mg/m^sup 2^ cetuximab was administered in the first week, followed by six additional weekly courses at 250 mg/m^sup 2^. Treatment was well tolerated. The patient is doing well and continuous radiological complete response (CR) is documented for 25 months after completion of the combined treatment. Combined re-RT and targeted inhibition of EGFR with cetuximab may be a valuable therapeutic strategy in patients with recurrent localized high grade MEC who are not candidates for radical surgery.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]