Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Ann Oncol. 2002 Jul;13(7):1007-15. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdf179.

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in southern China where genetic abnormalities and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are critical in the pathogenesis of the disease. Circulating EBV-DNA has been shown to improve prognostication and monitoring of NPC patients. Radiotherapy is the mainstay treatment for early disease and concurrent cisplatin/radiotherapy has been demonstrated to prolong survival in locoregionally advanced disease. Ongoing studies of targeting agents and immunotherapeutic approaches may further improve treatment results.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma / mortality
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DNA, Bacterial