Local definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy recommended for patients initially diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis after an effective systemic chemotherapy

摘要

Objective The aim of the study was to propose a hypothesis that local definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)should be recommended for initially diagnosed metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)and demonstrate its feasibility.Methods Recently published papers on local definitive radiotherapy for initially diagnosed metastatic NPC were reviewed to propose a hypothesis.Results Several studies revealed the survival benefits of adding local definitive radiotherapy to the systemic chemotherapy in patients initially diagnosed with metastatic NPC.Conclusion We suggested that local definitive IMRT should be recommended in patients initially diagnosed with NPC with distant metastasis after an effective systemic chemotherapy,which may possibly prolong their survival time and potentially treat the disease.