Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and epirubicin followed by radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma observed in a non-endemic population

Background and purpose

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) represents the main therapy choice in the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by CRT in a non-endemic population affected by advanced NPC.

Materials and methods

Patients with locoregionally advanced NPC were treated with three cycles of induction chemotherapy (CHT) with cisplatin (100 mg/m²) plus epirubicin (90 mg/m²), followed by cisplatin (100 mg/m²) and concomitant radiotherapy (70 Gy).

Results

In 40 patients treated with such protocol, after the completion of induction CHT and CRT we observed the objective response rates of 90% and 100%, respectively. Treatment tolerability and toxicity were easily controllable. With a median follow-up time of 54 months, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival was 75% and 65% and 3- and 5-year overall survival was 84% and 77%.Three- and 5-year locoregional control was 82% and 70%, and 5-year distant metastases free survival was 75%.

Conclusions

NACT with cisplatin and epirubicin followed by concomitant CRT represents a feasible, efficient treatment for patients with advanced NPC. This regimen ensures an excellent locoregional disease control and overall survival with a low incidence of distant metastases.