Long-Term Survival Rates of Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated by Radiochemotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study Publisher



Kazemian A^{1, 2} ; Ghalehtaki R^{1, 2} ; Farazmand B¹ ; Taherioun M² ; Razmkhah M² ; Khalili N^{3, 4} ; Farhan F² ; Aghili M^{1, 2} ; Esmati E²
Source: Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is showing an increasing incidence in Iran. Radiation is the main treatment of this cancer. Use of new techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is on the rise. Here, we aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of NPC patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for a more reliable comparison with IMRT in the future. Results: We reviewed the medical records of 106 patients with NPC treated by definitive radiotherapy from 2007 to 2016. Patients were treated with 70 Gy in 2-Gy fractions. Twenty-one patients died during the follow-up period. Twenty-nine patients suffered from locoregional or distant recurrences. Of these, 6 recurred after 2 years of treatment completion. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 81% and 76%, respectively. The 2-year and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 72% and 63%, respectively. The 5-year locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 68% and 69%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to high survival rates of NPC and the importance of receiving planned total dose of RT, the treatment-related toxicity and quality of life are critical considerations both for patients during active treatment and for survivors. © 2022, The Author(s).