Abstract
Simple SummaryThis review elaborates the current knowledge on salivary gland tumors, with a specific focus on classical histological classification, cellular mechanisms and molecular pattern at the origin of the most common glandular malignancies. We dive into novel approaches for modeling, diagnosis and therapy, giving an overview of the biomedical advances for the study of salivary cancers. Thereby this review helps to understand the complexity of these malignancies and paves the way for novel and efficient treatments.Salivary gland tumors are neoplasms affecting the major and minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. Their complex pathological appearance and overlapping morphological features between subtypes, pose major challenges in the identification, classification, and staging of the tumor. Recently developed techniques of three-dimensional culture and organotypic modelling provide useful platforms for the clinical and biological characterization of these malignancies. Additionally, new advances in genetic and molecular screenings allow precise diagnosis and monitoring of tumor progression. Finally, novel therapeutic tools with increased efficiency and accuracy are emerging. In this review, we summarize the most common salivary gland neoplasms and provide an overview of the state-of-the-art tools to model, diagnose, and treat salivary gland tumors.
Highlights
The salivary glands are organs belonging to the orofacial complex whose epithelial structures are specialized in the production and secretion of saliva [1]
We summarize the most common salivary gland neoplasms and provide an overview of the state-of-the-art tools to model, diagnose, and treat salivary gland tumors
Schematic representationof ofhallmarks hallmarks in malignant gland tumors: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma might contain three different types of cells depending on its grade: (a) Mucoepidermoid carcinoma might contain three different types of cells depending on its(i)grade: Squamous cells, (ii) mucocytes, and (iii) intermediate cells
Summary
The salivary glands are organs belonging to the orofacial complex whose epithelial structures are specialized in the production and secretion of saliva [1]. Aberrations of salivary glands upon irradiation exposure, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer, result in a limited or complete abrogation of saliva production, which greatly impacts speech, taste, and feeding function. Cancers of the salivary glands represent 6% of all head and neck cancers and greatly vary in origin, subtype, and behavior (Table S1) [2,3]. Most of these tumors are benign and might evolve into a malignant form after several years from their initial diagnosis. Novel tools for precise diagnosis and personalized medicine have emerged and can be instrumental for the development of new and more efficient treatments
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