Gemcitabine and Cisplatin Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Stage III-IVA Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Real-world Study

Overview

Journal Sci Prog

Publisher Sage Publications

Date 2025 Jan 31

PMID 39885780

Authors

Dang Nguyen Van

Son Nguyen Viet

Gia Hoang Phu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining induction chemotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with stage III-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), particularly focusing on cases associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. The primary focus is on treatment response and disease control.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 81 patients with stage III-IVA NPC (excluding T3N0M0) treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin as induction chemotherapy, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital. Patient data and follow-up information were collected between June 2021 and June 2024, focusing on disease-free survival (DFS) as the primary outcome and secondary outcomes including factors affecting DFS and treatment-related toxicity.

Results: In the initial 3-month period, 76 out of 81 patients achieved a complete response, and five patients achieved a partial response. The follow-up period averaged 18.7 ± 5.3 months, with a 2-year DFS rate of 77.6%. Key factors influencing DFS included patient age, N stage, disease stage, and treatment interruptions. Grade 3 toxicities observed included neutropenia (17.3%) and mucositis (32.1%), while grade 4 toxicity was limited to nausea (2.4%). Additionally, 2.6% of patients experienced delayed grade I-II toxicities, with some presenting grade III anorexia.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy, followed by chemoradiotherapy, may result in a high response rate and effective disease control with manageable toxicity. However, further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and potential delayed adverse effects to confirm these initial observations.

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