Advantages of intensity modulated radiotherapy in recurrent T1-2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Recurrent T1-2 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (rT1-2) may be salvaged by 3D – CRT (3D-Conformal Radiotherapy), IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy), Brachytherapy (BT), BT with external radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to address the efficacy and toxicity profile of aforementioned four modalities for rT1-2 NPC. METHODS: 168 patients, median age 48 years (range 16–75 years) proven rT1-2 NPC were diagnosed and treated with four different irradiation modalities (3D-CRT, IMRT, BT, BT with external radiotherapy). Median time to recurrence was 30 months (range 1–180 months). The median follow-up time was 28 months (range, 4–135 months). RESULTS: 161 patients completed a median dose of 6445 cGy (ranging 30 to 87 Gy). Seven patients prematurely terminated their treatment due to acute side-effects and received 30–49 Gy. The 1- and 3-year local regional recurrent free survival (LRRFS), distant free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 82.03% vs. 82.03% vs. 82.58%, 51.33% vs. 51.33% vs. 53.41, respectively. Gender and recurrence T-classification were the two significant adverse prognostic factors for LRRFS, DFS, and OS rates. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were tolerable. CONCLUSION: 3D-CRT, IMRT, BT, BT with external radiotherapy are feasible and efficacious for rT1-2 NPC. In toxicity 3D-CRT/IMRT group is lower than BT group. IMRT is superior for rT1-2 NPC.