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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children: a single institution's experience
Jiunn-Ming Sheen1, Hong-Ren Yu, Eng-Yen Huang
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, even with advanced stages, show promising survival rates with chemoradiotherapy. Long-term side effects, however, remain a concern for childhood cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.
- This study focuses on a cohort of adolescent patients diagnosed with NPC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes and survival rates of pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- To assess the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in advanced-stage childhood NPC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10 pediatric patients (12-17 years) with undifferentiated NPC (WHO Type III) treated between 1992-2005.
- Patients received either radiotherapy alone or cisplatin-based concomitant chemoradiotherapy.
- Tumor staging (TNM) and nodal metastasis details were recorded.
Main Results:
- All patients had advanced disease (T2-T4) with significant nodal involvement (80%).
- Chemoradiotherapy was administered to 60% of patients.
- Event-free survival was 70% and overall survival was 75% at a median follow-up of 30 months.
- Two patients experienced early systemic relapse.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, despite advanced stage at diagnosis, demonstrates favorable survival outcomes with modern treatment modalities.
- Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy appears effective in this rare pediatric malignancy.
- Long-term morbidity necessitates careful monitoring in childhood cancer survivors.