Marked responses to pemetrexed chemotherapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland: Case series

Abstract

Background

There are no proven systemic therapies for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands. Pemetrexed use in adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands has not been previously described.

Methods

Retrospective case reports and literature review.

Results

Two patients with metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma were treated with single‐agent pemetrexed with marked response and clinical benefit. Case 1 describes a sustained clinical response for 8 months after failing several lines of chemotherapy. Case 2 describes a marked interval response of diffuse metastatic disease at 2 months with resolution of bone pain and sustained response at 8 months.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of efficacy of single‐agent pemetrexed for metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma. Given the significant and sustained responses in heavily pretreated patients, further investigation of pemetrexed for salivary cancer may be warranted.

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