Viscuse, Paul V.

AbstractBackgroundThere are no proven systemic therapies for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands. Pemetrexed use in adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands has not been previously described.MethodsRetrospective case reports and literature review.ResultsTwo patients with metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma were treated with single‐agent pemetrexed with marked response and clinical benefit. Case 1 describes a sustained clinical response for 8 months after failing several lines of chemotherapy. Case 2 describes a marked interval response of diffuse metastatic disease at 2 months with resolution of bone pain and sustained response at 8 months.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of efficacy of single‐agent pemetrexed for metastatic salivary gland adenocarcinoma. Given the significant and sustained responses in heavily pretreated patients, further investigation of pemetrexed for salivary cancer may be warranted.

Purpose of review Due to medical advances and an aging population, the number of cancer survivors continues to rise. Survivors often experience late and long-term sequelae of cancer and its treatment (e.g., fatigue, pain, fear of recurrence, and stress). As a result, some patients have utilized or expressed interest in integrative medicine (IM) modalities for prevention of recurrence, optimizing health, enhancing quality of life, and managing symptoms. The purpose of this review is to focus on research published during the past year that informs our understanding of the utility of IM for cancer survivors. Recent findings Physical activity, diet, dietary supplements, mind–body modalities, acupuncture, and massage therapy all may play a role in the management of the physical (e.g., fatigue and pain) and emotional (e.g., anxiety and fear) issues faced by cancer survivors. Summary IM therapies are appealing to and utilized by many cancer survivors and may reduce symptom burden. Clinicians who provide cancer survivorship care may improve patient care by understanding the evidence for and against their use.