Currently, an estimated 47-50% of global nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases occur in China, with the regions of Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian being heavily affected. There are a number of treatment options available for this cancer: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, these treatments can come with negative side effects. Therefore, developing novel therapeutics – or new therapeutic approaches – could significantly improve outcomes within this patient population.
Reporting from Ukranian News shares that a team of Chinese scientists are developing a new treatment strategy to reduce radiotherapy side effects. Potential side effects include shortness of breath, unintentional weight loss, and mucositis (pain and inflammation in the mucous membranes). They detail this approach in their publication within The British Medical Journal. Additionally, the scientists evaluated this approach within a Phase 3 study.
In short, the scientists created a radiotherapy technique which spares the medial retropharyngeal lymph node from elective irradiation volume. This exclusion may reduce adverse treatment reactions by up to 10%. Further, this technique contributes to improved relapse-free survival, as well as enhanced overall wellbeing.
The Basics of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)
Also known as nasopharynx cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) begins in the nasopharynx, or the area behind the nose and at the top of the throat. This rare and aggressive cancer forms from squamous cells. Risk factors include having a family history of NPC, being male, Epstein-Barr virus infection, being between 30-50 years old, a high salt-cured food diet from a young age, and being of Chinese, Southeastern Asian, or northern African descent. Doctors believe that Epstein-Barr virus causes NPC in a large variety of cases, though not in all cases.
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma may, but do not always, include:
- Bloody saliva or nasal discharge
- Sore throat
- Frequent ear infections
- Headache
- Blurred or double vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Nasal congestion
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Hearing loss, often in one ear
- Hoarseness
- Numbness at the bottom of the face
