Demography, patterns of care, and survival outcomes in patients with salivary duct carcinoma: an individual patient data analysis of 857 patients

AIM: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. The optimal treatment protocols are debated. METHODOLOGY: A systematic search and individual patient data analysis of published cases of SDC was performed. SPSS v21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Data of 857 patients available. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the entire cohort 42 months and 24 months. Nodal involvement, males, primary size >5 cm, androgen receptor (AR) negativity significantly worse OS. Patients with surgery had a favorable median PFS (p = 0.000) and OS (p = 0.077). Patients with adjuvant radiation had better PFS (30 vs 18 months; p = 0.077). CONCLUSION: SDC has modest survival. Surgery and adjuvant radiation should be advocated for all patients. AR expression appears prognostic for survival.