Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents: a literature review and our own data

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the few epithelial tumors that regularly occur in the pediatric population. The majority of patients with localized and locally advanced NPC can be cured with current treatment protocols which include platinum-based induction therapy followed by chemoradiation therapy. The prognosis of patients with initially metastatic NPC and recurrent disease after prior curative treatment is, however, still unfavorable. Fortunately, new treatment options such as immune checkpoints inhibitors and supportive treatment with oral fluoropyrimidine give hope for better outcomes in these patients as well. It's important to note that the management of NPC diagnosed in adults and children allows for the adaptation of effective treatment approaches for either of the age groups. An analysis of our own data suggests that current treatment protocols for NPC can be successfully adopted by Russian clinics and can help to achieve treatment outcomes comparable to the results obtained in other countries. The purpose of this article is to overview current therapeutic approaches for NPC and possible ways of their improvement based on our own and literature data. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology.