Combination treatment of late nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an analysis of short-term therapeutic results in 200 cases
Zhang, S.; Cai, Y.; Gu, Y.
Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 18(1): 70-72
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3766 PMID: 8732120 Document Number: 462970
Patients with late nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were divided into 4 groups, 50 each, treated with different protocols. Group A: radiotherapy plus systemic interleukin 2 (IL-2), Group B: chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, Group C: chemotherapy plus radiation and IL-2, Group D: radiotherapy alone. Changes in the primary tumor and neck lymph nodes were monitored at 0, 3 and 6 months after treatment. In group A, the primary tumor regression rates (TRR) were 88%, 90% and 92%, and the lymph nodes regression rates (LNR) were 82%, 86% and 88%, respectively. In group B, the TRR were 86%, 88% and 90%, and the LNR were 80%, 84% and 86%, respectively. In group C, the TRR were 88%, 90% and 92%, and the LNR were 82%, 86% and 88%, respectively. In group D, the TRR were 78% 80% and 82%, and the LNR were 76%, 78% and 80%, respectively. The 1-year survival rates in these 4 groups of patients were 92%, 90%, 94% and 82%, respectively. Thus, the therapeutic results are significantly better in the combination treatment groups than those in the group receiving radiotherapy alone. In addition, IL-2 was effective to significantly reduce the occurrence of systemic side effects of radiotherapy and radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.