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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in childhood and adolescence: Analysis of a series of 32 patients treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy
European Journal of Cancer, Volume 39, No. 16, Year 2003
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Description
Standard therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children has generally followed the guidelines established for adults. We report here, the treatment outcomes in 32 children and adolescents with NPC and we discuss treatment approaches. Between 1993 and 1997, 32 NPC patients aged ≤20 years (mean age 15 years) were treated in our institution; they represented 18% of all NPC cases seen during the same time period. 27 patients had no metastases at diagnosis; 26 of these were treated with primary chemotherapy combining epirubicin and cisplatin. Radiotherapy was then delivered to 22 patients at a mean dose of 70 Gy, either conventionally (6 patients) or bifractionated (16 patients). 5 patients had metastases at diagnosis and were treated with chemotherapy combining epirubicin, bleomycin and cisplatin before definitive radiotherapy. The objective response rate (OR) after chemotherapy was 90.9% at the primary site, with a 13.6% complete response (CR) rate. At nodal sites, the OR was 95.5% and the CR was 31.8%. Local control was obtained in all patients after definitive radiotherapy with a medium follow-up of 43.7 months. Late toxicity affecting quality of life was found in 26% of the children who were irradiated, especially among those under 15 years of age (skin fibrosis, 27%; trismus, 27%; hypothyroidism, 14%). No locoregional relapses were observed. Distant metastases occurred in 33% of cases, with a median delay of 4.7 months from the end of treatment. The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 76 and 56%, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) was 65% at 2 and 5 years. Therapeutic outcomes for childhood NPC were similar to those in adults, but with more radiotherapy-induced toxicity. New chemotherapeutic combinations and new radiotherapeutic techniques should be sought to improve both survival and quality of life. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Daoud, Jamel L.
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Toumi, Nabil
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Bouaziz, M.
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Ghorbel, Abdelmonem
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Jlidi, Rachid
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Drira, Mohamed Mokhtar
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Frikha, Mounir F.
Tunisia, Sfax
Chu Habib Bourguiba
Statistics
Citations: 93
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 1
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00512-4
ISSN:
09598049
Research Areas
Cancer
Disability
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cohort Study