This first line of studies provides “proof-of concept” that therapeutic silencing of the RANKL/RANK pathway may represent a plausible molecular targeting approach (either alone or in combination with other targeted therapies) for the treatment of primary salivary gland tumors and for the prevention of secondary tumor recurrence and metastasis that frequently manifests following surgical resection. The gene discussed is TNFRSF11A; the disease is tumor of salivary gland.