Oncological and functional outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment in a non-endemic area.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an uncommon neoplasm in non-endemic regions such as Spain, with most data coming from Asia. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological characteristics, oncological and functional outcomes, and treatment-related toxicities in a cohort of patients from a single centre in northern Spain.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted including 64 patients diagnosed with NPC between 2010 and 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data, treatments received, survival outcomes, relapse patterns, and long-term sequelae were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 87.5% of the cases received primary treatment at our hospital, while the remaining 12.5% were referred from other centres for the management of either recurrence or treatment-related toxicities. The mean age was 52 years, with a predominance of males (76.6%). The most common histological subtype was undifferentiated (70.3%), although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was negative in 61% of cases. A total of 68.8% of patients were diagnosed at advanced stages. All patients received radiotherapy, which was intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in 78.1% of cases, and 85.9% received concomitant chemotherapy. The 5-year disease-free survival was 68.4%. Most relapses were local (56.2%), and the most frequent long-term sequela was xerostomia (53.5%). Endoscopic surgery was an effective and safe treatment for local recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of NPC in this northern Spanish cohort is similar to that of endemic regions. Oral functional sequelae are the main treatment-related toxicity. Endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for local recurrences.