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Published on: January 5, 2017
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: our experience
Carla d'Espiney Amaro1, Pedro Montalvão, Pedro Henriques
1Otorhinolaryngology Department, Portuguese Institute of Oncology Hospital in Lisbon (IPOLFG-EPE), Lisbon, Portugal. dicacarla@hotmail.com
Summary
This study analyzed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, finding undifferentiated types most common. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival rates, especially for late-stage (IV) patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Characterizing NPC patient demographics and survival factors is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology Hospital in Lisbon (IPOLFG).
- To identify key factors influencing patient survival rates.
- To evaluate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival in different stages of NPC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 157 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (2000-2005).
- Histological classification based on World Health Organization criteria.
- Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Pearson correlation for factor significance.
Main Results:
- The average patient age was 53 years; 65% were male.
- The most frequent histological type was undifferentiated (Type III, 58%).
- Stage IV was diagnosed in 51 patients; 60% achieved remission.
- The 5-year survival rate was 65.1%.
- Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival for Stage IV patients (P = 0.033).
Conclusions:
- Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent in this Portuguese cohort.
- Chemotherapy demonstrates a positive impact on survival, particularly in advanced stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.