Banner photography provided by Jared Chambers

Dr Robert Metcalf is a Medical Oncologist specialising in treating patients with Head and Neck Cancers with a specific interest in Salivary Gland Cancers.

Clinical Trial focus

Patient survival rates with existing drug therapies in Head and Neck and Salivary Gland Cancer are not good enough. My clinical trial focus is on developing new drug therapies, both targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which are superior to existing chemotherapy drugs. 

Salivary Gland Cancer

At my research clinic at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, UK, the majority of patients I see have recurrent and metastatic salivary gland cancer. Of the varied different types of salivary gland cancer, most patients I see have a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma.

What We've Achieved

• Through the global efforts of clinical trials, the discoveries made in cancer research are continually translating to improved treatments.

• In some types of Head and Neck Cancer this has led to the development of immunotherapies which are resulting in long-term survival for patients where this was not previously seen.

• In some types of Salivary Gland Cancer which previously had no effective drug therapies, targeted therapies are effective in controlling the disease for most patients.

WHAT IS SALIVARY GLAND CANCER?

Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva. There are several subtypes of salivary gland cancer, which are classified based on the type of cell that gives rise to the cancer. The most common subtypes include:

1. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma: This is the most common type of salivary gland cancer, accounting for about 30% of cases. It usually develops in the parotid gland and can also occur in the sublingual and submandibular glands.

2. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a slow-growing cancer that is known for its ability to spread along nerves. It can occur in the major and minor salivary glands and is particularly common in the submandibular gland.

3. Acinic cell carcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the cells that produce saliva and is most commonly found in the parotid gland. It tends to grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for many years.

4. Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma: This is a rare type of cancer that usually occurs in the minor salivary glands in the palate, but can also occur in other areas of the mouth.

5. Salivary duct carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the ducts of the salivary gland. It is most commonly found in the parotid gland and can be difficult to treat.

There are over 24 types and other less common subtypes of salivary gland cancer include secretory carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Each subtype of salivary gland cancer has its own unique characteristics, prognosis, and treatment options, so it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a specialist in head and neck cancer.