WITHDRAWN: Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Nasopharyngeal cancer shows good response to intensity-modulated radiotherapy. However, there is no clear evidence for the benefits of routine application of image-guided radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective investigation of the treatment outcomes, treatment-related complications and prognostic factors for nasopharyngeal cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy techniques.Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out on 326 consecutive nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated between 2004 and 2015. Potentially significant patient-related and treatment-related variables were analyzed. Radiation-related complications were recorded.Results: The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates of these patients were 77.9% and 70.5% respectively. Age, AJCC stage, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, treatment interruption, and Body Mass Index were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Age, AJCC stage, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, image-guided radiotherapy, and Body Mass Index were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival.Conclusion: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy significantly improves the treatment outcomes of nasopharyngeal cancer. With the aid of image-guided radiotherapy, the advantage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy might be further amplified.