Salivary Gland Neoplasms: Management Updates and Novel Approaches
09-11, 07:00–07:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Head & Neck Surgery 1

Lecture Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify recent updates in the surgical and non-surgical management of salivary gland tumors.

  2. Evaluate the clinical impact of novel therapies, including molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapy.

  3. Apply evidence-based approaches to complex and recurrent salivary gland tumors.

  4. Understand the potential of emerging technologies and personalized medicine in shaping future treatment pathways.

Lecture Outline

Overview & Epidemiology

  • Classification and incidence of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors

  • Diagnostic challenges and heterogeneity in presentation

Surgical Management Updates

  • Advances in minimally invasive and nerve-sparing techniques

  • Reconsidering elective neck dissection and strategies for margin control

  • Approaches to salvage and revision surgeries

Adjuvant and Definitive Radiotherapy

  • Modern techniques: IMRT, proton therapy, and adaptive radiotherapy

  • Evidence-based indications and outcomes

Novel Systemic Therapies

  • Targeted therapies: androgen blockade in salivary duct carcinoma, HER2 and NTRK inhibitors

  • Immunotherapy developments: checkpoint inhibitors and PD-L1 targeting

  • Integration of molecular profiling in personalized treatment algorithms

Emerging and Experimental Approaches

  • Innovations in gland-sparing radiotherapy

  • Use of AI, real-time imaging, and navigation in complex surgeries

  • Ongoing clinical trials and promising investigational strategies

Case-Based Discussions

  • Practical applications of evolving therapies

  • Management of advanced, rare, or recurrent tumor types

Summary & Practical Takeaways

  • Key updates ready for clinical practice

  • Guidance on translating global evidence to local resource settings

Learning Outcomes

  • Be updated on current treatment strategies for salivary gland tumors

  • Recognize the role of targeted and immune-based therapies in specific subtypes

  • Understand how to integrate molecular and imaging advances into multidisciplinary care

  • Adapt evidence-based innovations to regional practice environments

Selected References

  1. Bell D, Hanna EY. Curr Oncol Rep. 2021;23(5):57.

  2. Laurie SA, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12(8):815–824.

  3. Coca-Pelaz A, et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(4):304–319.

  4. Fushimi C, et al. Cancers. 2022;14(11):2591.

  5. Dillon PM, et al. Head Neck. 2016;38(4):620–627.

  6. El-Naggar AK, et al. WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, 4th ed. IARC, 2017.

  7. Chintakuntlawar AV, et al. Cancers Head Neck. 2016;1:11.

  8. Chau NG, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(15_suppl):6011.

  9. Al-Zaher N, et al. Int J Otolaryngol. 2011:872812.

  10. Tanvetyanon T, et al. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;135(7):687–692.


The aim of this proposal is to offer a structured, evidence-based session that addresses the complexity and evolving landscape of salivary gland neoplasm management. With recent advances in molecular diagnostics, targeted therapy, and radiotherapeutic technologies, it is essential for practicing otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons to remain updated. This session intends to bridge the gap between emerging scientific evidence and clinical practice by equipping attendees with applicable knowledge and tools for improved patient outcomes.

An Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Dr. Dundar joined Texas Tech Physicians in September 2019.  Dr. Dundar completed his medical school education at Hacettepe University in 2007 and completed his otolaryngology residency in Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital in 2012.  Dr. Dundar completed his fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery from Wayne State University.  Dr. Dundar specializes in all aspects of head and neck oncology, including cutaneous malignancies, salivary gland cancers, thyroid cancers, mucosal head and neck cancers.  He also performs complex microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck as well as transoral robotic surgery.