Outcomes of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. (30th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yeh, Shyh-An; Hwang, Tzer-Zen; Wang, Chih-Chun; Yang, Chuen-Chien; Lien, Ching-Feng; Wang, Chien-Chung; Hsu, Tun-Yen; Hsu, Ruey-Feng; Shih, Yu-Chen; Huang, Yaw-Chang; Hsieh, Meng-Che; Gau, Jhy-Shyan; Chang, Liyun; Lee, Tsair-Fwu
• Is Part Of: Journal of radiation research. Volume 62:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 438
• Page End: 447
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30
• Subjects: intensity-modulated radiotherapy -- image-guided radiotherapy -- nasopharyngeal cancer -- body mass index; Radiology, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrab008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0449-3060

Abstract

Abstract: Nasopharyngeal cancer shows a good response to intensity-modulated radiotherapy. However, there is no clear evidence for the benefits of routine use of image-guided radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective investigation of the treatment outcomes, treatment-related complications and prognostic factors for nasopharyngeal cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy techniques. Retrospective analysis was performed on 326 consecutive nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated between 2004 and 2015. Potentially significant patient-related and treatment-related variables were analyzed. Radiation-related complications were recorded. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates of these patients were 77.9% and 70.5%, respectively. Age, AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) stage, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, treatment interruption and body mass index were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Age, AJCC stage, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, image-guided radiotherapy and body mass index were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. In conclusion, intensity-modulated radiotherapy significantly improves the treatment outcomes of nasopharyngeal cancer. With the aid of image-guided radiotherapy, the advantage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy might be further amplified.