Risk stratification based on change in plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load after treatment in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The current study investigated change in the plasma EBV DNA load in the first 3 months after treatment and its clinical significance in NPC.

Methods

A total of 273 patients with non-metastatic, histologically-proven NPC treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

EBV DNA was detectable in 19/273 (7.0%) patients at the end of therapy (end-DNA). Three months later, 16/273 (5.9%) patients had detectable EBV DNA (3-month-DNA). To investigate risk stratified by the pattern of change in post-treatment EBV-DNA, we divided patients into four subgroups: Group 1, undetectable end-DNA and 3-month-DNA (n = 244); Group 2, detectable end-DNA and undetectable 3-

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4891061 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature