Update on the management and therapeutic monitoring of advanced nasopharyngeal cancer

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Dec;22(6):1267-78, x. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2008.08.012.

Abstract

Despite being potentially curable at an early stage, more than 50% of patients who have nasopharyngeal carcinoma present with advanced locoregional disease, which results in a poor prognosis. This article discusses key advancements in the management of nasopharyngeal cancer, including the incorporation of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, new radiotherapy delivery techniques in the form of conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and salvage options for locoregional recurrence. New cytotoxic and targeted therapies that have resulted in improved survival in the metastatic setting are also described. The use of Epstein-Barr virus DNA for the prognostication and monitoring of nasopharyngeal cancer and the role of new diagnostic imaging techniques are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • DNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / mortality
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / therapy*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / mortality
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral