[Short-and long-term therapeutic effects of brachytherapy on intracavitary residual tumor in 563 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluates the effect of brachytherapy on intracavitary residual tumor in patients with NPC after external radiation therapy.


METHODS
Five hundred fifty three NPC patients with residual tumor in the nasopharynx were treated with large dose brachytherapy (20-25 Gy). The treatment results were retrospectively evaluated.


RESULTS
Within 3 months after brachytherapy, the overall regression rate of the residual tumor was 90.4%. Upon long-term follow-up, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 89.6%, 67.0% and 55.4%, respectively. The major complications of the after-loading treatment were nasal obstruction (16.2%), necrosis of the naso-pharynx (0.9%) and perforation of soft palate in 2 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Brachytherapy is effective in the treatment of residual NPC especially in patients in early stage. It may not be helpful for stage IV patients.
Cao
X
X
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center, Sun Yatsen University of Medical Science, Guangzhou.
Chen
K
K
He
Z
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate