Evolution of the Chinese staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The clinical treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China started in 1940s is based on our own clinical staging system. In 1965, we established the first TNM staging system for NPC. Advances in technology and therapy led to continuous updates in clinical staging. Currently, the Chinese staging system of 2008 is commonly used in China. Compared with the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, which is widely used internationally, the N classification was based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the lymph node criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) consensus guidelines. However, several studies showed that these two staging systems were associated with limitations. Additional international studies from different cancer centers are needed to improve and evolve a universally accepted staging system for NPC.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine (Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital), Fuzhou 350014, China.
Jingfeng
J
Zong
Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine (Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital), Fuzhou 350014, China.
Qingting
Q
Huang
Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine (Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital), Fuzhou 350014, China.
Qiaojuan
Q
Guo
Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, No. 420 Fuma Road, Fuzhou 350014, China. panjianji@126.com.
Jianji
J
Pan
D002277:Carcinoma; D002681:China; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D000077274:Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Chinese 2008 staging system; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); staging system