title: Current role of chemotherapy in exclusive and integrated treatment of malignant tumours of salivary glands.
abstract: In the management of salivary glands carcinomas, surgery is the treatment of choice. Post-operative radiotherapy is indicated in cases with high risk of loco-regional relapse. Radiotherapy is also standard treatment in cases that are inoperable at onset. Chemotherapy plays a palliative role. Today, the integration between radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which provides increased local control, represents a significant step forward. This integration is important since 5-year survival in tumours with high grade histology is approximately 50%. Overall incidence of metastases is approximately 25%. Primary locations of metastases are lungs, liver, bone, central nervous system and other organs. In cases of metastatic disease, chemotherapy plays only a palliative role.
authors.affiliation: Second ORL Clinic, University of Turin, San Giovanni Antica Sede Hospital, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cortesina
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Airoldi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palonta
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery