Clinical Course of Parotid Carcinoma with Hepatic and Nodal Metastases: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Salivary gland tumors are relatively rare neoplasms, comprising approximately 3–6% of all head and neck tumors. Parotid gland carcinoma (PGC) represents approximately 70–80% of all salivary gland malignancies. Treatment strategies depend on tumor histology, stage, and molecular characteristics, with surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy being the mainstays of treatment for localized disease. Conversely, in advanced stages, therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy and targeted agents, are more challenging. Methods: We present a case report of a 60-year-old patient with hepatic and nodal metastases of parotid gland carcinoma HER2+ who received dual blockade with Pertuzumab and trastuzumab (PH) with addition of Docetaxel, with the aim of highlighting the management and treatment outcomes. Results: Our patient received 4 cycles of chemotherapy and PH with near-complete response. After lymph node dissection (level I–IV) with primitive tumor resection and radiosurgery on the residual liver metastases, currently she continues treatment as maintenance. Conclusions: Based on the patient’s overall condition and response to current treatment, the oncology team ought to consider further targeted therapies, radiotherapy, or surgery as future therapeutic options.

1. Introduction

Salivary gland tumors are relatively rare neoplasms, accounting for approximately 3–6% of all head and neck tumors [1]. Among these, carcinoma of the parotid gland represents the most common malignant subtype, comprising approximately 70–80% of all salivary gland malignancies. While most cases of parotid carcinoma occur sporadically, certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to ionizing radiation, viral infections (such as the Epstein–Barr virus), and genetic predisposition [1].

Histologically, parotid carcinomas are heterogeneous, encompassing various subtypes with distinct clinical behaviors and prognoses. The most common histological types include mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma [2].

Parotid gland tumors, though rare, require a tailored approach depending on the stage and extent of disease, whether localized or metastatic. Surgery remains the cornerstone for localized parotid malignancies. The primary objective is complete tumor resection with negative margins while preserving facial nerve function, although radical resection with nerve sacrifice may be necessary in advanced cases. For high-grade tumors or cases with positive margins, adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) significantly reduces local recurrence rates. The role of RT in treating locally advanced disease, particularly when lymph nodes are involved, is well supported, with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) offering superior precision and sparing of adjacent critical structures [1].

In the metastatic setting, treatment options are more limited, and the focus shifts to systemic therapies. For salivary duct carcinomas (SDC) or high-grade adenocarcinomas, platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin with 5-fluorouracil or paclitaxel) is commonly employed, although response rates remain modest. Hormonal therapies such as androgen receptor blockade (e.g., bicalutamide) have shown promise in SDCs expressing androgen receptors (AR) with reported meaningful clinical responses [3]. In the era of immunotherapy, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) are also being explored, with early-phase clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, in advanced salivary gland tumors showing some activity in tumors with high PD-L1 expression.

In recent years, advances in molecular profiling have revealed actionable mutations in parotid tumors, opening avenues for targeted therapies. For example, the use of HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab and pertuzumab in HER2-positive SDCs has shown clinical activity [4].

However, the use of novel therapies must be integrated within a multimodal treatment approach to provide patients with the optimal therapeutic strategy and outcomes. We present a case report of a patient with HER2-positive metastatic PGC treated with dual HER2 blockade, achieving a complete response, illustrating how the synergy between surgery, oncology, and radiotherapy can achieve durable responses and excellent outcomes.

2. Case Presentation

Mrs. Maria is a 60-year-old, previously healthy patient. On physical examination, a palpable mass was noted in the region of the parotid gland. There were no apparent signs of other metastases on physical examination.

The patient underwent parotid gland biopsy, which showed a high-grade adenocarcinoma (ki67 > 45%), solid-cystic apocrine cells, with a neuroinvasive tubulo-trabecular pattern, arising in a sclerohyalinotic nodule including marginal residual foci of a plasmacytoid myoepithelial mesenchymal component (vimentin +++, GFAP +++, S100 +++, p63 +++), to an alcyanophilic basophilic myxoid stroma corresponding to an old pleomorphic adenoma of the right parotid gland. IIC: HER2 score 3+ in 100% of neoplastic cells, androgen receptors clone AR441-Dako = 3+ in 40% of neoplastic cells, CK34betaE12 +++, estrogen receptor = absent, progesterone receptor = absent [Figure 1A–D].

A CT scan was performed with evidence of multiple hepatic and bilateral nodal metastases [Figure 2].

The patient started a first-line chemotherapy regimen combined with docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab. The patient received nominal therapy with the following schedule:

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Docetaxel: 75 mg/m², administered intravenously every 3 weeks.

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Trastuzumab: 8 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks, administered intravenously.

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Pertuzumab: 840 mg loading dose, followed by 420 mg every 3 weeks, administered intravenously.

After four cycles of treatment, the patient experienced a near-complete radiological response of the disease, with a significant reduction in the size of hepatic and nodal metastases [Figure 3].

The oncology team considered subsequent therapeutic options, including surgery, radiotherapy, or additional targeted therapies based on the patient’s response to current treatment and overall condition.

We decided to have the patient undergo a lymph node dissection (level I-IV) with primitive tumor resection; meanwhile, we performed radiosurgery on the residual liver metastases. Currently the patient continues treatment as maintenance, although well tolerated (PFS 12 mo.).

3. Discussion

The management of metastatic parotid gland cancer, particularly involving hepatic and lymph node metastases, is complex and often relies on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates surgery and radiotherapy. Surgical resection remains a primary treatment option when metastases are isolated and resectable, especially in cases of oligometastatic disease, where complete surgical removal can lead to long-term disease control.

Lateral neck lymph node dissection (LND) is a critical surgical approach for managing lateral neck lymph node metastases in parotid carcinoma. This procedure offers significant locoregional control, with studies reporting disease control rates exceeding 70–80%, especially when negative margins are achieved. However, recurrence remains high, with rates between 30 and 60% post-surgery, particularly in advanced nodal disease [5].

Despite its limitations, LND can delay recurrence and improve quality of life by controlling neck disease but leads to several complications. Common adverse outcomes include spinal accessory nerve dysfunction, which may result in shoulder pain, limited mobility, and muscle atrophy, significantly affecting patient quality of life. Injuries to other cranial nerves, such as the marginal mandibular or hypoglossal nerves, can lead to facial asymmetry or impaired tongue movement, respectively. Additionally, the risk of vascular complications, chyle leaks (particularly in dissections involving the thoracic duct), and wound-related issues like hematoma, seroma, or infection are well-documented. A comprehensive understanding of these risks and meticulous surgical techniques are critical to optimizing outcomes [6].

Advanced radiotherapeutic options, such as SBRT, are emerging as alternatives for specific cases like liver metastases, offering control with fewer complications [7].

Hepatic metastases from parotid carcinoma are rare but pose significant therapeutic challenges. Traditionally, surgical resection has been considered for eligible patients with isolated liver metastases; however, emerging evidence supports the superiority of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or radiosurgery (SRS) over surgery in terms of outcomes, particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to tumor location or medical comorbidities [7].

Hepatic metastasectomy in patients with liver metastases from parotid carcinoma is a surgical approach intended to achieve local control and potentially extend survival. It is generally considered in cases with isolated metastases and minimal disease burden. Studies suggest that metastasectomy can provide significant benefits in selected patients, with improved progression-free survival and some reports of long-term remission. However, the procedure carries risks such as postoperative complications, including bile leakage, infection, and functional liver impairment [7,8].

However, recent advances in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiosurgery have emerged as superior locoregional treatment options, offering effective control with fewer complications compared to surgery. This high-precision radiotherapy targets the metastatic lesion while sparing the surrounding liver tissue, reducing the risks associated with major liver surgery [9].

Several studies have demonstrated that SBRT provides excellent local control with fewer complications compared to surgery. SBRT allows for high precision in targeting liver metastases while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, making it an attractive option for these patients. A case series by Da Silva et al. [7] showed that SBRT achieved local control rates of over 80% for parotid carcinoma liver metastases, with minimal toxicity. This contrasts with surgical series, where recurrence rates following liver metastasectomy are typically higher (30–50%) due to the aggressive nature of the disease and potential incomplete resection.

In terms of outcomes, SBRT has been associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Reports suggest that PFS can reach up to 18–24 months in patients treated with SBRT for liver metastases from parotid carcinoma, compared to approximately 12–18 months for patients undergoing surgery. The time to recurrence following SBRT is also generally longer, with recurrence-free intervals exceeding 12 months in many cases. Overall survival (OS) in patients treated with SBRT can vary, but several studies report median OS times of around 36–48 months depending on the extent of systemic disease at the time of treatment [10].

The dosages used in SBRT typically range from 30 to 50 Gy delivered in 3–5 fractions, which has been found to balance efficacy and safety, with minimal hepatic toxicity. A trial by Herfarth et al. demonstrated that fractionated doses of 40 Gy in 5 fractions achieved durable local control in patients with hepatic metastases while maintaining a low risk of toxicity. Moreover, SBRT can be repeated in some cases of local recurrence, offering additional control options without the risks associated with repeat surgeries [10].

In conclusion, the use of SBRT for hepatic metastases in parotid carcinoma offers superior outcomes in terms of local control, PFS, and OS compared to surgery. It is especially beneficial for patients ineligible for surgery and those with multiple or inoperable lesions [8].

About the systemic treatment, the combination of docetaxel, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for patients with HER2-positive metastatic parotid gland cancer, particularly salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), a histological subtype known for its aggressive behavior and frequent HER2 overexpression. This regimen, widely used in HER2-positive breast cancer, is being explored in salivary gland malignancies due to molecular similarities, with HER2 amplification found in up to 30% of SDC cases. Our patient had this mutational alteration, so we used this promising combination therapy extensively studied in breast cancer [1].

Several case reports and small case series suggest that this combination can be used before surgery to downstage the tumor, improve resectability, and potentially delay progression. For instance, case reports from Takahashi et al. [4] demonstrate that patients with HER2-positive metastatic parotid carcinoma responded well to the combination, showing significant tumor shrinkage that allowed for a more conservative surgical approach or even the avoidance of surgery in some cases. This strategy aims to reduce tumor burden, enhance surgical outcomes, and prolong disease-free intervals post-operatively.

ORRs with this combination have been reported to be as high as 60–70% in small studies, with some patients achieving a partial or complete response.

PFS has been reported to range between 10 and 18 months depending on the extent of disease at the start of therapy [11].

OS for patients treated with this regimen can extend beyond 24 months, particularly in those with good initial responses. In contrast, those with poor responses to the combination tend to progress more rapidly and may have an OS closer to 12 months [11].

PFS2 (the time from the start of the second line of therapy until progression) is a newer concept being explored in these patients, though robust data on PFS2 for this regimen in parotid carcinoma is limited. Current reports suggest that patients who initially respond to trastuzumab and pertuzumab may maintain control with subsequent HER2-targeted therapies in later lines.

In this regard, the range of action of these drugs is similar to that of the most studied HER2-positive tumors, such as breast cancer.

Interestingly, in cases of progression, patients who initially receive docetaxel, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab may be considered for alternative HER2-targeted therapies such as trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) or lapatinib [12]. The exact sequence of therapy remains under investigation, but these options have shown activity in small cohorts of patients with HER2-positive metastatic SDC.

As the understanding of HER2-positive metastatic parotid gland tumors, particularly salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), evolves, the use of novel HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and trastuzumab deruxtecan is gaining traction. T-DM1, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) combining trastuzumab with the cytotoxic agent emtansine, has shown promising results in breast cancer and is being evaluated for efficacy in HER2-positive salivary gland malignancies. Early clinical data suggest that T-DM1 may lead to substantial tumor reduction and prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic parotid tumors who have previously received trastuzumab and pertuzumab [13]. A case series reported by Li et al. (2021) demonstrated an ORR of 60% in patients treated with T-DM1, with a median PFS of 9 months and overall survival (OS) extending to 18 months in responders [14].

The future landscape of treatment for HER2-positive metastatic parotid tumors will likely involve combinations of novel agents with existing therapies, with ongoing trials exploring optimal sequencing and combination strategies. For instance, NCT04566374 is a phase II trial evaluating the efficacy of trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with advanced HER2-positive solid tumors, including salivary gland cancers [15]. As clinical evidence accumulates, T-DM1 and trastuzumab deruxtecan may become integral components of a comprehensive treatment plan, providing new hope for patients facing the challenges of metastatic parotid tumors.

Table 1. Case reports and case series of parotid cancers.

Study/Authors	Drug	Year	Patients	Outcome	PFS	Purpose
Li et al. [14]	Ado-trastuzumab emtansine	2021	10	ORR 90%, SD IN 4/9 pts	9 months	Metastatic
Takahashi et al. [4]	Docetaxel+perutuzmab+trastuzumab	2020	5	Tumor reduction in all patients	12 months	neoadjuvant
Ahn et al. [16]	Cisplatin+weekly docetaxel	2022	8	50% ORR, with 3 achieving CR	10 months	Metastatic
Chen et al. [17]	Radiotherapy	2023	6	Improved symptoms and tumor size reduction	8 months	Adjuvant
Lee et al. [18]	Docetaxel-PM+trastuzumab-pkrb	2021	12	ORR of 75%, 6 patients with PR	14 months	Metastatic
Kakkali et al. [19]	NIvolumab	2020	6	Prolonged disease control	11 months	metastatic

below summarizes case reports and case series from the literature.

In summary, the docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab regimen holds promise for patients with HER2-positive metastatic parotid cancer, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, to improve surgical outcomes. Clinical trials and case reports highlight the efficacy of this approach, with significant responses and prolonged survival outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize sequencing and explore combination therapies in this rare but aggressive cancer.

4. Conclusions

This case report highlights the clinical course and management of metastatic carcinoma of the parotid gland. Despite the challenges posed by advanced disease, multimodal treatment approaches incorporating chemotherapy and targeted therapy can achieve favorable outcomes in selected patients.

Ongoing clinical trials continue to investigate novel therapies, such as androgen receptor (AR)-targeting agents in recurrent/metastatic AR-positive salivary gland cancers [20], while assessing the efficacy of pembrolizumab in metastatic salivary gland carcinomas [21]. Future directions include combination approaches using targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, aiming to improve outcomes in this challenging malignancy.