Meta-Analysis on Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Concurrent chemo radiotherapy (CCRT) has been the standard of care in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) for many years. The role of induction chemotherapy (ICT) has always been controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the value of adding ICT to CCRT in LA-NPC.

Materials and methods

Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICT followed by CCRT versus CCRT alone, including treatment-naive adult patients with histologically proven nonmetastatic LA-NPC.

Results

Eight RCTs with in total 2,384 randomized patients, of whom 69% had N2-N3 disease, were selected. ICT was the allocated treatment in 1,200 patients, of whom 1,161 actually received this. Treatment compl

SUBMITTER: Mane M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7794190 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature