Hyperfractionated radiotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer: report of seven cases

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 1999 Mar;29(3):160-3. doi: 10.1093/jjco/29.3.160.

Abstract

Cases of hyperfractionated radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer are reported. Seven patients received hyperfractionated radiotherapy (76.8-81.6 Gy/64-68 fractions to primary tumor) and two cycles of cisplatin (80 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1) plus 5-FU (800 mg/m2 continuous infusion on days 2-6). Mucositis was the most frequent side effect in hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Moderate leukopenia was the major side effect of adjuvant chemotherapy. With a mean follow-up time of 34 months (range 25-48 months), five of the seven patients were locoregionally controlled. Two developed distant metastases. Two patients suffered late complications (posterior nasopharyngeal wall necrosis and brain necrosis). These results suggested that our regimen was almost well tolerated and might be of use in locoregional control of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, it carries some risk of late complications and might be inadequate for preventing distant metastases. A three-dimensional conformal boost irradiation technique and adequate dose intensity chemotherapy might be encouraged.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cisplatin
  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • CF regimen