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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: treatments and outcomes in the 20th century

¹ 41 Ewhurst Avenue, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 0DH, UK and ² Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Centre, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4T 7T1 Canada

Correspondence: Dr T H P Tai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Center, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4T 7T1 Canada

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), although rare in Europe and North America, is not uncommon in parts of Asia such as southern China and Hong Kong. Consequently, very few oncologists in the Western world have extensive experience in treating this neoplasm. Treatment using external beam therapy and/or brachytherapy evolved greatly during the 20th century and is still evolving, particularly with the use of adjunctive chemotherapy regimes. Diagnosis of NPC has also improved with the availability of CT and MRI. This worldwide review is divided into historical, transitional and modern eras, with the latter concerning 1971–2000. Currently, the most controversial aspects of NPC are recommendations for treatment of recurrent disease and the role of chemotherapy in the overall framework of treatment. Comparison of results from different centres is not possible without an understanding of the various staging systems that are, and have been, used; a comparison is given in this review. In the future, early diagnosis, adequate radiation dose to the primary with boost to bulky disease, and regular follow-up with biopsy of any suspicious residual or recurrent disease, are likely to become key issues to improve outcome. Also, apart from direct/indirect nasopharyngoscopy, the role of follow-up CT needs to be studied for early detection of residual or recurrent disease. More clinical trials on chemo-radiation are also required, in order to study optimum doses and agents.

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