A single institution experience with pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma: high incidence of toxicity associated with platinum-based chemotherapy plus IMRT

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2007 Jul;29(7):500-5. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3180959af4.

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have decreased treatment-related complications in adult patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Our aim was to evaluate the toxicity profile of IMRT plus chemotherapy in pediatric NPC patients.

Observations: Five patients were treated with chemotherapy and IMRT. All patients experienced grade 3-4 acute toxicities. With a median follow-up of 6.3 years, all patients experienced >or=3 long-term toxicities. The most common toxicities were hypothyroidism, xerostomia, hearing loss, and dental disease.

Conclusions: We did not observe a significant decrease in long-term toxicities with IMRT plus chemotherapy in our small cohort of pediatric NPC patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / adverse effects*