Research for salivary gland cancer is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this current time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor.
Combining therapies. There is ongoing research as to the benefit of the different treatment approaches, especially the use of concomitant treatment (combining more than one treatment).
Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy) is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials either made by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. It is always important to discuss treatment options and possible enrollment in clinical trials with your doctor.
Radiosensitizers. Researchers are investigating the use of radiosensitizers in the treatment of salivary gland cancer. Radiosensitizers are drugs that make tumor cells more susceptible to radiation therapy, making radiation therapy more effective.
Salivary gland cancer requires additional scientific understanding regarding the genetic events that affect this type of cancer. As scientists make advances in the basic fundamental knowledge of genetics and how these cancers develop, new therapies based upon these findings will develop.
Last Updated: October 30, 2009
