Long-term clinical outcome of combined therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical lymph node metastasis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate long-term efficacy of microwave hyperthermia combined with chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with cervical lymph node metastasis. Methods A total of 154 patients with stage N2 or N3 NPC ('92 staging system) were randomized into two groups:microwave hyperthermia combined with chemoradiotherapy (Group A, 76 cases) and chemoradiotherapy alone (Group B, 78 cases). Both of the two groups received 1 -2 cycles of chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, followed by conventional radiotherapy of 70 - 78 Gy in 35 - 39 fraction to the nasopharynx and 68 -72 Gy in 34 - 36 fractions to the neck. Group A received microwave hyperthermia to the metastatic cervical nodes at the beginning of radiotherapy. The hyperthermia was given as 45 min every time, twice a week for 8 - 14 times totally. Results The 5-year complete response rates of cervical lymph nodes in group A and B were 97% and 77% (x2 = 14. 24,P 0. 05). The disease-free survival rates were 51% and 21% (x2 = 15.91, P <0. 01). The 5-year overall survival rates were 59% and 41%, respectively (x2 = 5.09, P < 0. 05).Conclusions For patients with stage N2 or N3 NPC, microwave hyperthermia combined with chemoradiotherapy can improve the complete response, disease-free survival and overall survival. Key words: Nasopharyngeal neoplasms, lymph node metastasis; Chemoradiotherapy; Hyperthermia; Long-term effect