A two-step intensity-modulated radiation therapy method for nasopharyngeal cancer: the Kinki University experience.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical results of our adaptive radiation therapy scheme of a two-step intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) method for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) at Kinki University Hospital.


METHODS
Between 2000 and 2007, 35 patients with Stage I-IVB NPC treated by IMRT were included. For all patients, treatment-planning computed tomography was done twice before and during IMRT to a total dose of 60-70 Gy/28-35 fractions (median 68 Gy). Chemotherapy (cisplatin 80 mg/m(2)/3 weeks x 1-3 courses) was given concurrently with IMRT for 31 patients.


RESULTS
The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates for the 31 patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy were 88% and 83%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year loco-regional control rates for the 31 patients were 93% and 87%, respectively. Planning target volume delineation for the primary site or involved nodes was insufficient for three early cases, resulting in marginal recurrence in the three patients (9%). Except for one patient with early death, xerostomia scores at 1-2 years were: Grade 0, 11; Grade 1, 17; Grade 2, 5; Grade 3, 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Excellent overall survival and loco-regional control rates were obtained by a two-step IMRT method with concurrent chemotherapy for NPC, although marginal recurrence was noted in some early cases.
Nishimura
Yasumasa
Y
Department of Radiation Oncology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan. ynishi@med.kindai.ac.jp
Shibata
Toru
T
Nakamatsu
Kiyoshi
K
Kanamori
Shuichi
S
Koike
Ryuta
R
Okubo
Mitsuru
M
Nishikawa
Tatsuyuki
T
Tachibana
Izumi
I
Tamura
Masaya
M
Okumura
Masahiko
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin