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Published on: March 12, 2014
[Carcinomas of the nasopharynx in children. Analysis of 50 cases]
A Benider1, S Sahraoui, A Acharki
1Centre d'oncologie, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc.
Insights
This study on childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Casablanca found a 40.5% overall survival rate at 3 years. Treatment involved irradiation and chemotherapy, with initial complete response in many cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Radiation Oncology
Context:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in children.
- This study retrospectively analyzed pediatric NPC cases treated at a single center in Casablanca, Morocco, between 1980 and 1990.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes and survival rates for childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and response to therapy in this pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- Fifty children diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were treated with irradiation therapy, with 16 receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- The majority of cases presented with advanced disease (stage T3-T4 and N2-N3).
- An initial complete response was observed in 26 out of 37 evaluable patients, but 3-year overall survival was 40.5% and disease-free survival was 37.8%.
Impact:
- Highlights the challenges in treating pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, particularly with advanced stage disease.
- Provides valuable data on long-term outcomes for childhood NPC, informing future treatment strategies and research.
- Underscores the need for improved therapeutic approaches to enhance survival rates in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
From 1980 to 1990, 50 children were treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Department of Oncology at the hospital Center Ibn Rochd in Casablanca. There were 34 boys and 16 girls with a median age of 12.3. UCNT were observed in 70% of cases. Fourty six percent were stage T3-T4 and 70% were N2-N3 disease. All children received irradiation therapy and 16 of them have had a neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty seven children were evaluable, the immediate response was complete in 26/37 cases. Recurrence of disease was noted for four children and metastatic for four others children. Two children have both recurrence and metastatic disease. The overall survival was 40.5% at 3 years. Disease free survival was 37.8% at 3 years.
