Primary salivary gland-type carcinomas of the nasopharynx: prognostic factors and outcome

Abstract

Primary salivary gland-type carcinomas of the nasopharynx (SNPC) are a rare malignancy with diverse clinical behaviour and different prognoses. Previous studies have reported on limited patient populations, and few long-term studies have outlined outcomes and prognostic factors. Controversy exists regarding the treatment policy for SNPC. The aim of this study was to define management approaches, therapeutic outcomes, and prognostic factors for SNPC. The medical records of 54 patients with SNPC at one institution between 1963 and 2006 were reviewed. Patient records were analysed for management approaches, outcomes, and prognostic factors. After a median follow-up of 61.3 (1.8-245.2) months, the 2-, and 5-year overall survival rates (OS), loco-regional failure free survival rates (LRFFS) and distant failure free survival rates (DFFS) were 84.6% and 61.3%, 74.4% and 55.4%, and 92.0% and 70.0%, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that lymph node metastases, date of treatment, and surgical treatment were independent factors for DFFS, whereas histological subtypes and distant metastases were independent factors affecting OS. The optimal treatment policy for patients with SNPC might be surgery plus radiotherapy.