Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pattern of tumor regression after radiotherapy

The primary tumor regression pattern of 50 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was reported. The tumor regression was monitored either by indirect nasopharyngeal mirror examination and biopsy or fiberoptic endoscope and biopsy. Fiberoptic endoscope and biopsy was found to be more accurate in noting residual tumor. It is recommended that booster radiation dose to the residual primary tumors be withheld unless positive biopsy samples persist at 10 or more weeks after radiotherapy.