AN UPDATE ON THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are a collection of malignant epithelial tumours found within the nasopharynx. Its unusual race and geographic distribution suggests that environmental factors and genetic traits play an important role in the development of this cancer. Modifiable risk factors include the Epstein Barr virus, intake of salt preserved foods, and tobacco use. It mainly presents with nonspecific nasal symptoms and exhibits an aggressive clinical course with early metastasis to cervical lymph nodes. As the anatomical location of the nasopharynx excludes surgery, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy is generally used to treat this disease. Recent years have seen a treatment shift towards the use of personalized treatment techniques as well as the use of immune-modulators.