Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Acta Oncol. 2007;46(6):828-33. doi: 10.1080/02841860601103050.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate results of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in patients with residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in terms of local progression-free (LPFS) and overall survival (OS) rate and complications after treatment. There were 32 residual or recurrent NPC patients treated with FSRT using linac-based radiosurgery system. Time from the previous radiotherapy to FSRT was 1-165 months (median, 15). Two patients were treated for the second and one for the third recurrence. Thirteen patients (40.6%) also received chemotherapy with FSRT. Tumor volume ranged from 6.2-215 cc (median, 44.4). Average FSRT dose was 17-59.4 Gy (median, 34.6) in 4-25 fractions (median,6) in 1-5.5 weeks (median, 3). Median follow-up time was 25.5(3-67) months. LPFS rate at 1 and 3 years after FSRT was 67.8% and 37.9%. OS rate at 1 and 3 years was 89.7% and 71.2%. If all patients who had tumor progression with no further follow-up were assumed dead, the OS rate at 1 and 3 years would be 75.0% and 37.9%. Univariate analysis showed better local tumor control in patients with tumor volume </=100 cc (p=0.04) or in those without chemotherapy (p=0.0005). Only chemotherapy retained significance in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 5.47, 95%CI 1.86-16.04). Eight patients (25%) had complications after FSRT, all grade 2-3 except 1 grade 4 with complete recovery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brachytherapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / mortality
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / mortality
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiosurgery / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome*