Preliminary experience with chemotherapy in advanced salivary gland neoplasms

Eight patients with advanced incurable salivary gland carcinoma were treated with the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (CAP). There were three clinical complete responses and two excellent partial responses. One of the three nonresponders had symptomatic improvement without any response in the measurable disease sites. Side effects were acceptable. All patients had moderate nausea and some degree of vomiting, which were adequately controlled by antiemetics. These results are preliminary but when considered with other reported trials using the same combination suggest an active treatment program for advanced neoplasms of the salivary glands.