Intensity modulated radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Radiation therapy (with associated chemotherapy) is the standard treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy is a new and particularly interesting technique for these tumors, due to their complex volumes close to many critical organs. Better dosimetric results and improved protection of adjacent healthy tissue have been shown compared with conventional 2D or 3D radiation therapy, with significantly reduced side-effects, notably xerostomia. Excellent local control rates have been reported.