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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Case report

Cetuximab in the treatment of metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands: A case report and review of literature

Authors: Salvatore Grisanti, Vito Amoroso, Michela Buglione, Anna Rosati, Roberto Gatta, Claudio Pizzocaro, Vittorio D Ferrari, Giovanni Marini

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Patients with metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands have a poor outcome. The epidermal growth factor receptor protein is overexpressed in approximately 70% of mucoepidermoid carcinoma patients and may represent a therapeutic target. However, whether treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents is effective is unclear and clinical trials are difficult due to the rarity of the disease. Here we assessed the activity of cetuximab in mucoepidermoid carcinoma on a molecular basis.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 40-year old Caucasian man with a mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the major salivary glands who developed distant bone and visceral metastases despite platinum-based chemotherapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor was overexpressed and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated a chromosome 7 polysomy. The patient was treated with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab in combination with cisplatin. After 11 doses of cetuximab, the patient developed brain metastases but evidence of response was documented at all extracranial metastatic sites.

Conclusion

This case report indicates that cetuximab can be active in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and may restore sensitivity to cisplatin in platinum-treated patients. Cetuximab does not cross the blood brain barrier and may select a metastatic clone to home the central nervous system while responding at other sites.

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Title: Cetuximab in the treatment of metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Salvatore Grisanti
Vito Amoroso
Michela Buglione
Anna Rosati
Roberto Gatta
Claudio Pizzocaro
Vittorio D Ferrari
Giovanni Marini
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-2-320

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Cetuximab in the treatment of metastatic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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