Recent Advances and Molecular Pathway in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (Review)

Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant tumor located at oral and maxillofacial regions, and its conventional treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, its poor survival rates and prognosis resulting from the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis remain obscure. To date, there are insufficient reviews to summarize the genes and molecular pathways for ACC. Therefore, it is required for us to highlight the main oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and genetic signal transduction pathways associated with ACC in this review. A literature review based on PubMed for the genetic characteristics and molecular transduction pathways for ACC was conducted. Ninety articles were selected as references using the search terms or keywords such as “genes, molecular pathways, salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma or ACC”. We have briefly described histopathology, current treatments and main clinical features in ACC. Besides, we have also elaborated the associated genes and pathways in this review according to the searched articles in recent years. We have summarized vital genes and proteins targeting or mechanism-based on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Although there are few kinds of research on ACC currently exist, we expect that better detailed genetic studies would pave the way for promising advancement in our understanding of the molecular biology and pathogenesis mechanisms underlying tumors.