Original Article
SHORT-AND LONG-TERM THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF BRACHYTHERAPY ON INTRACAVITARY RESIDUAL TUMOR IN 563 NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA (NPC) PATIENTS
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of brachytherapy intracavitary residual,tumor on patients with NPC after radiation therapy.
Methods: Five hundred sixty three NPC with residual tumor in the nasopharynx were treated with large dose of brachytherapy (20-25 Gy). The treatment results were retropectively evaluated.
Results: Within 3 months after brachytherapy, the overall regression rate of the residual tumor was 90.4%. Upon long-term foUow-up, the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate was 89. 65%, 67.01% and 55.42%, respectively. The major complications of the after-loading treatment were nasal obstruction (16.2%), necrosis of the nasopharynx (0.9%) and perforation of soft foliate in 2 patients.
Conclusion: Brachytherapy is effective in the treatment of residual NPC especially in patients in early stage. It may not be helpful to stage IV patients.
Methods: Five hundred sixty three NPC with residual tumor in the nasopharynx were treated with large dose of brachytherapy (20-25 Gy). The treatment results were retropectively evaluated.
Results: Within 3 months after brachytherapy, the overall regression rate of the residual tumor was 90.4%. Upon long-term foUow-up, the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate was 89. 65%, 67.01% and 55.42%, respectively. The major complications of the after-loading treatment were nasal obstruction (16.2%), necrosis of the nasopharynx (0.9%) and perforation of soft foliate in 2 patients.
Conclusion: Brachytherapy is effective in the treatment of residual NPC especially in patients in early stage. It may not be helpful to stage IV patients.
