Sustained remission of relapsed high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland following multimodal treatment including epidermal growth factor receptor–antibody cetuximab and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

In this report we are presenting the case of an 18-year-old adolescent with a high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland, suffering from multiple local and distinct relapses despite adequate surgical and radiation treatment. After initial treatment with surgery and radiation the patient showed local and distant metastases. He received a novel multimodal treatment including epidermal growth factor receptor-antibody cetuximab in combination with cisplatin leading to partial remission followed with consolidating chemotherapy including ifosfamid, cisplatin and adriamycin. Due to the high risk of recurrent disease, high dose chemotherapy containing carboplatin and etoposide followed by autologous stem cell transplantation was initiated, additionally re-irradiation was accomplished. The treatment led to sustained complete remission for 2 years and 9 months. This novel treatment approach resulting in long time survival may offer new treatment options for other high risk patients suffering from relapsed mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Source: Head and Neck Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research