Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 19, 2025 4 hours, 45 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding Salivary Gland Cancers
Salivary gland cancers are a rare type of cancer, making up about 5% of all head and neck cancers. These tumors are diverse, with more than 20 subtypes according to standard classifications. Due to their rarity, diagnosing and treating these cancers has been a challenge for doctors. However, new research into their molecular characteristics is opening up promising pathways for improved diagnosis and treatment.
New Advances in Salivary Gland Cancers in the Era of Molecular Analysis
Key Molecular Findings in Salivary Gland Cancers
This
Medical News report highlights the latest discoveries in molecular analysis of salivary gland cancers. Italian researchers from IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna and the Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, have examined the genetic makeup of these cancers and identified key molecular changes that can help doctors tailor treatments more effectively.
One of the most important findings is the presence of specific gene fusions and mutations in different subtypes of salivary gland cancers. For example, the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion is common in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, while MYB-NFIB rearrangements are frequently seen in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Another important genetic alteration is the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion, which is a defining characteristic of secretory carcinoma. These molecular markers provide valuable information that can help distinguish between different types of salivary gland tumors and determine the best treatment options.
The Role of Liquid Biopsy in Diagnosing and Monitoring
Traditional biopsies require surgery or invasive procedures, but researchers are now exploring the potential of liquid biopsy, a method that detects cancer-related genetic material in blood or saliva. Liquid biopsy is particularly useful for monitoring treatment responses and detecting early signs of recurrence. This non-invasive technique can help doctors track the progression of salivary gland cancers in real-time without subjecting patients to frequent surgical procedures.
Studies have shown that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and microRNAs found in the blood or saliva can be used as biomarkers to detect cancer presence, progression, and even predict responses to specific treatments. This advancement is a major step toward personalized treatment strategies.
Targeted Therapies and Precision Medicine
Molecular analysis has also revealed specific changes in salivary gland cancers that can be targeted with precision medicine. The study highlights the role of HER2-positive and androgen receptor-positive salivary duct carcinomas, which respond well to HER2 inhibitors and androgen deprivation therapies. For patients with ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive secretory carcinoma, new drugs like TRK inhibitors are emerging as effective treatment options.
These findings suggest that by targeting the genetic abnormalities present in each cancer subtype, doctors
can move away from conventional chemotherapy and adopt more personalized treatments. This approach has already shown promising results in clinical trials, with some patients responding exceptionally well to targeted drugs compared to traditional treatments.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these advancements, treating salivary gland cancers remains difficult due to their complexity and rarity. Because these cancers are uncommon, large-scale clinical trials are limited, making it harder to develop standardized treatment guidelines. Furthermore, many salivary gland cancer subtypes do not yet have well-defined molecular targets, making research in this field even more critical.
Researchers emphasize the need for more molecularly stratified clinical trials, which means designing studies that focus on patients with specific genetic alterations. These trials will help identify the best treatment strategies for different subtypes of salivary gland cancers. Additionally, ongoing research into new biomarkers and molecular targets could lead to even more effective treatments in the future.
Conclusion
The study marks a significant step forward in the understanding and treatment of salivary gland cancers. By identifying key genetic alterations and utilizing innovative diagnostic methods like liquid biopsy, doctors are now better equipped to diagnose and treat these rare cancers. Targeted therapies based on molecular analysis have the potential to improve patient outcomes dramatically, offering hope for those affected by these challenging malignancies. However, continued research, larger clinical trials, and improved access to molecular testing are essential to further advance treatment options. The future of salivary gland cancer treatment is shifting toward a more personalized approach, ensuring that patients receive the most effective therapies based on their unique genetic profiles.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Cancers.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/4/660
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