Population and background
Patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer in a Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center study.
What the evidence shows
This single-center analysis included 69 non-metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer patients, with median follow-up of 31.9 months. It reported three-year overall survival of 94.9% and local control of 96.9%. The regimen was photon IMRT plus a carbon-ion boost; these cannot be described as results of every proton or heavy-ion regimen.
Conclusions that cannot be drawn
Non-metastatic results cannot be extended to recurrent or distantly metastatic disease. Local control and overall survival are also different endpoints.
Questions to ask your doctor
Are my stage and previous radiotherapy similar to the study? How many sessions are proposed for the photon and particle regimens, and which structures need special protection?