Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: treatment results with primary radiation therapy

Abstract

One hundred three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated with radiotherapy at UCLA Medical Center from January 1955 to December 1990. Overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control rates were analyzed. In addition, survival from 1955 to 1978 and from 1979 to 1990 were evaluated. Overall 5- and 10-year actuarial survival rates for all patients were 58% and 47%, respectively. Disease-free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 45% and 30%, respectively. Local, persistent, or recurrent disease in the nasopharynx was the primary cause of failure, occurring in 32% of patients and correlating with the initial tumor size (T stage). Twenty-four percent of patients developed distant metastases, which correlated with nodal status but not with T stage. Seventy-nine percent of patients failed either locally or distally by 4 years. Sex, race, age, and T and N stage categories were evaluated as prognostic variables in terms of survival. Control of primary disease is important in determining long-term outcome. Modern imaging techniques have greatly assisted in the evaluation of disease extent and treatment options.