Evolving Concepts in Salivary Duct Carcinoma: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive neoplasm that typically involves the major salivary glands. This rapidly growing tumor is known to recur and metastasize to the neck nodes and to distant sites. Given its poor prognosis, researchers have focused on identifying factors and driver genomic alterations that may account for its behavior, ultimately yielding potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the growing body of knowledge on SDC since the publication of the latest WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck. Updates on emerging subtypes, immunohistochemical profiles, molecular alterations, and potential therapeutic targets are succinctly presented. Findings from studies on tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which may have implications for the treatment and prognosis of SDC, are also discussed in this narrative review.