The Effect of Induction Chemotherapy Using Docetaxel and Platinum in Treatment Methods of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Kong, Il Seung; Yang, Yun Su; Choi, Dong Il; Kwon, Sam Hyun; Hong, Ki Hwan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and platinum in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
The medical records of 52 patients, who were diagnosed with NPC at our department from January 1995 to December 2005, were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to treatment methods. Twenty-eight cases treated with induction chemotherapy consisted of docetaxel, platinum and RT, 17 cases treated with induction chemotherapy consisted of 5-FU, platinum and RT, and 7 cases were treated with RT only. A total of 114 chemotherapy cycles were administered to patients and most received 2 cycles.
RESULTS
The T stage distribution at the time of diagnosis was 48%, 14%, 15%, and 23% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. According to the WHO classification, the type I included 11 cases, type II 2cases, and type III 39 cases. The overall 5-year survival rate was 60.6%. According to the treatment modality, only the RT group was 42.9%. In the chemoradiotherapy group, the 5-year survival rates of 5-FU and platinum combination group and docetaxel and platinum combination group were 47.1% and 78.8%, respectively. There was significant difference in survival (p=0.037). There was no difference in sex, age, and N stage with regards to the 5-year survival rate.
CONCLUSION
Although no valid conclusions could be drawn because of the small number of patients examined in the present study, we found that induction chemotherapy consists of docetaxel and that platinum may improve the outcome of patients with NPC.