Recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma--two long term disease-free remissions with non-cisplatinum based combination chemotherapy

Two cases of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma following maximal radiotherapy are presented. Both patients had complete resolution of disease with outpatient combination chemotherapy using Vincristine, Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide (VAC), and are disease free, and working full time, 3 and 4 years later, respectively. The significant relapse rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after initial radiotherapy is outlined, and the reported limitations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in this situation are discussed. The survival curve for this disease appears to plateau at 2-3 years. This appears to be the first reported outpatient combination chemotherapy programme to produce long term disease-free remission in recurrent disease.