Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes ? A multicenter retrospective analysis focusing on survival outcome

Objectives To analyze the demographic data, surgical and adjuvant treatment data and the survival outcomes in adult patients affected by acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland (AciCC). Methods A retrospective multicenter analysis of patients treated for AciCC of the parotid gland from 2000 to 2021 was performed. Exclusion criteria were pediatric (0–18 years) patients, the absence of follow-up and patients with secondary metastatic disease to the parotid gland. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with survival. Results The study included 81 adult patients with AciCC of the parotid gland. The median age was 46.3 years (SD 15.81, range 19–84 years), with a gender female prevalence ( F = 48, M = 33). The mean follow-up was 77.7 months (min 4–max 361, SD 72.46). The 5 years overall survival (OS) was 97.5%. The 5 years disease-free survival (DFS) was 60%. No statistical differences have been found in prognosis for age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years), sex, surgery type (superficial vs profound parotid surgery), radicality (R0 vs R1 + Rclose), neck dissection, early pathologic T and N stages and adjuvant therapy ( p > 0.05). Conclusion This study did not find prognostic factor for poorest outcome. In contrast with the existing literature, our results showed how also high-grade tumours cannot be considered predictive of recurrence or aggressive behaviour.