Post-treatment monitoring of salivary gland cancer: REFCOR recommendations by the formal consensus method

• Published in: European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases head and neck diseases, 2024-11, Vol.141 (6), p.339-341
• Main Authors: Chabrillac, E, Vergez, S, Barry, B, Jegoux, F, Verillaud, B, Pham Dang, N, Baujat, B, Fakhry, N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Consensus; Humans; Major salivary gland; Minor salivary gland; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnostic imaging; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - prevention & control; Otolaryngology; Post-treatment monitoring; Review Literature as Topic; Salivary gland cancer; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - pathology; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - therapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - standards
• ISSN: 1879-7296; 1879-730X; 1879-730X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2023.11.003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the frequency and modality of post-treatment monitoring of primary salivary gland cancer. Material and methodsThe French Network of Rare Head and Neck Tumors (REFCOR) formed a steering group who drafted a narrative review of the literature published on Medline and proposed recommendations. The level of adherence to the recommendations was then assessed by a rating group, according to the formal consensus method. ResultsClinical monitoring should be adapted to the risk of recurrence: initially every 3 months and progressively spaced out, becoming annual after 5 years. Post-treatment head and neck and chest imaging is recommended at 3 months. Local and regional monitoring can then be carried out yearly or twice yearly with contrast-enhanced head and neck imaging. An annual chest CT scan is recommended for high-grade tumors. For lesions at high risk of late recurrence, very prolonged annual surveillance (up to 15 years) is recommended, including screening for pulmonary metastases. ConclusionGiven the wide range of malignant salivary gland tumors, the modalities and frequency of post-treatment monitoring must be adapted to the expected course of the disease.