Effects of imatinib mesylate on adenoid cystic carcinomas.
BACKGROUND
Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) are rare tumors which most often arise in the salivary glands. They have a propensity for local relapse and tend to metastasize, frequently with a protracted clinical course. A substantial fraction of the tumors expresses c-Kit or the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta), both targets for imatinib mesylate. No standard systemic therapy is known for these neoplasms.


METHODS
c-kit and PDGFRbeta-expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Four patients with distant metastases and with at least one positive result were treated with 400 mg imatinib mesylate once daily and their response assessed.


RESULTS
c-Kit and PDGFRbeta expressions were variable among the tumor samples. Toxicity was mild. No remissions were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support that c-Kit or PDGFRbeta expression per se are not prognostic for the therapeutic response of metastasized ACCs to imatinib mesylate.
Ochel
Hans-Joachim
HJ
Clinic for Radiation Therapy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. hans-joachim.ochel@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Gademann
Günther
G
Röcken
Christoph
C
Wördehoff
Herbert
H
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate