Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy in patients with primary lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma

BACKGROUND: We describe four cases of primary lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) treated with neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (NAIC). METHODS: The outcomes and complications of NAIC were reviewed. Several treatment-related local and/or systemic complications were noted. RESULTS: One patient experienced ipsilateral eyelid and eyeball necrosis and permanent facial palsy; the second patient developed ipsilateral facial swelling and jaw claudication; and the third patient had febrile neutropenia, cellulitis, and phlebitis. These three patients underwent total exenteration. The fourth patient experienced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and underwent tumour removal without exenteration. All patients were followed for more than 4 years and were alive at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy may be an alternative treatment that will improve the survival rate of ACC. However, careful and close observation is needed to minimise the risk of side effects. Further investigations are needed to justify the use of chemotherapy-related treatments and the associated costs.