IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy following induction chemotherapy with TPF regimen in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an observation on clinical outcomes

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and adverse events with intensity -modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy following TPF induction chemotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 54 patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in our hospital who received IMRT and concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy following an induction regimen between June 2011 and June 2013. According to the induction chemotherapy they received, the subjects were divided into TPF group (n=24) and PF group (n=30). The clinical efficacy and adverse events in these patients were evaluated at 3 weeks after the two-cycle induction chemotherapy, and at every 3 months until one year after radiotherapy. Results The TPF group showed a short-term rate of effectiveness after induction chemotherapy which seemed advantageous over the rate in PF group (54.2% vs 23.3%, P 0.05). Conclusion TPF regimen used for two-cycle induction chemotherapy may be advantageous in short-term clinical efficacy, but needs further study with regards to its long-term efficacy in IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Key words: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Concurrent chemoradiotherapy; Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT); Docetaxel