Stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a Meta-analysis of 1371 cases in China

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the outcomes of stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of local residual and (or) local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to promote scientific clinical treatment and research on it in China and other countries by creating a large data resource. Methods This Meta-analysis conducted a literature search using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database for all clinical research articles on stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of local residual and(or) local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China. Data on patient cohort numbers and other research factors were recorded for every relevant clinical research article. Calculated and analyzed these fact sheets to pave the way for the objective of this project. Results A total of 40 clinical research articles including 1,371 patients in China from 1998 to 2012 were identified. The average cohort size was 34 patients (range 9-98 patients). The average total radiation dose range was 16-33.6 Gy. The average study or treatment duration was 3.51 years. The calculated average follow-up time was 31.59 months. Conclusion The study provided the largest resource for further research and Meta-analyses to determine the clinical pathway of stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of local residual and (or) local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results indicated that variability in the total radiation dose, treatment or research time, and follow-up duration may have contributed to the complications and side effects of stereotactic radiotherapy for local residual and (or) local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China. The calculated average total radiation dose, follow-up time, and treatment and research durations may be referenced for future treatment and research. This study also proposed worldwide cooperation for the meta-analysis of research articles on stereotactic radiotherapy for treating local residual and (or) local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.