Effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy on parotid gland function and quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on parotid gland function and quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Ninety-six patients with NPC diagnosed and treated in our hospital were divided into two groups using a random number table. The control group was treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and the research group was treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Observation and comparison were conducted for differences of baseline indicators between the two groups including; short-term response rate, relevant indicators regarding parotid gland function before and after treatment, uptake index (UI) and excretion index (EI), dry mouth (xerostomia) grading and quality of life indicators after treatment, and the prognosis of patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). The short-term response rate in the research group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, UI and EI in both groups were significantly decreased compared to those before treatment (all P<0.05); UI and EI in the research group were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). Dry mouth grading in the research group was significantly lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of related indicators regarding quality of life, local recurrence-free rate, and distant metastasis-free rate in the research group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IMRT for patients with NPC can significantly improve short-term response rate, reduce mouth dryness and parotid gland injury after radiotherapy, enhance quality of life, and facilitate the prognosis of patients.