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01-03-2020 | Radiotherapy | Original Article

Comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy alone vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (aged >65 years)

Authors: Jing-Lin Mi, Yi-Liang Meng, Hong-liang Wu, Yi-Lin Cao, Bin Zhang, Yu-Fei Pan, Yuan-Yuan Zhou, Jin-Fang Fan, Shu-Fang Liao, Xiao-Li Qin, Da-Cheng Yao, Dr. Wei Jiang

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

The efficacy and tolerability of adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy in the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) remain controversial among older patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present study compared IMRT alone with IMRT in combination with chemotherapy in elderly NPC patients.

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2014, 102 patients aged >65 years with NPC who received IMRT alone (IMRT group) or IMRT in combination with chemotherapy (IMRT/CT group) were enrolled. Patients from both treatment arms were pair-matched (1:1 ratio) based on six clinical factors. Differences in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models, whereas the toxicity profile was assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.

Results

No significant differences were noted in OS (72.1% vs. 72.5%, p = 0.799), DFS (65.9% vs. 70.1%, p = 0.733), LRRFS (76.4% vs. 71.6%, p = 0.184), and DMFS (90.8% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.610) between the IMRT and IMRT/CT groups. Multivariate analyses showed that chemotherapy was not an independent factor for OS, DFS, LRRFS, and DMFS. However, the incidences of grade 3 vomiting/nausea (p = 0.000), leukopenia/neutropenia (p = 0.000), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.041), and anemia (p = 0.040) were significantly higher in the IMRT/CT group compared with the IMRT group. No grade 4 toxicities were observed.

Conclusion

IMRT alone was similar to IMRT/CT in treating elderly NPC patients (age >65 years), with comparable survival outcomes and less grade 3 toxicities.

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Title: Comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy alone vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (aged >65 years)
Authors: Jing-Lin Mi
Yi-Liang Meng
Hong-liang Wu
Yi-Lin Cao
Bin Zhang
Yu-Fei Pan
Yuan-Yuan Zhou
Jin-Fang Fan
Shu-Fang Liao
Xiao-Li Qin
Da-Cheng Yao
Dr. Wei Jiang
Publication date: 01-03-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Radiotherapy
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Cytostatic Therapy
Epipharyngeal Carcinoma
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-019-01533-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy alone vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy in elderly nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (aged >65 years)

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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