Outcomes in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A 14-Year Analysis

Background Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy characterized by slow progression, local recurrence, and distant metastases. This study aims to evaluate the demographic patterns, clinical presentations, outcomes, and survival trends of patients with ACC. Methods A retrospective analysis of 14 patients diagnosed with ACC from 2010 to 2024 at a tertiary cancer center in the United Arab Emirates was conducted. Data on demographics, presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, tumor characteristics, recurrence patterns, and survival were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate survival trends. Results The cohort was predominantly male (64.3%, n=9) with a mean age of 38.9 years. An enlarging mass in the neck (50%, n=7) was the most common presenting symptom. Local recurrence and distant metastases were observed in 42.9% (n=6) of patients each, with the lungs being the most frequent site of metastases (83.3%, n=5). Advanced-stage disease (Stage III/IV) was common (64.3%, n=9). Overall survival was 85.7% (n=12) over a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Smoking was associated with poorer survival trends, though not statistically significant (HR=7.0, p=0.083). Conclusion ACC predominantly affects middle-aged individuals and is associated with high rates of local recurrence and distant metastases, especially to the lungs. Although survival trends varied by gender, smoking, and metastases, these differences were not statistically significant, underscoring the need for larger studies to better elucidate prognostic factors.