Current Status of Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique endemic distribution in the world, with the highest incidence rate in South China, Southeast Asia and North Africa. About 70% of newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients suffer from locally advanced diseases. The current methods of radiotherapy and chemotherapy include synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, induction chemotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Induction chemotherapy has better tolerance, so higher drug concentrations can be used to improve the survival rate of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Induction chemotherapy can eliminate micro metastatic diseases early. This article provides a review of the application of induction chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.