Short-term efficacy and adverse events of intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with chronomodulated chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To compare the adverse events, immune status, and short-term efficacy between chronomodulated chemotherapy (CCR) and routine chemotherapy (RCR) combined with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)in the treatment of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods A total of 159 patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomized into the CCR group and the RCR group to evaluate the short-term efficacy and adverse events. Results No significant difference was found in CR, PR, SD, and PD between the CCR group and the RCR group (P>0.05), and no significant difference was observed in the response rate (CR+ PR) between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of leukopenia(Z=-2.222, P<0.05), neutropenia(Z=-1.999, P<0.05), vomiting(Z=-2.298, P<0.05), and oral mucositis(Z=-3.571, P<0.05)of the CCR group was lower than those of the RCR group with statistical significance. The CD16+ 56+ lymphocyte cell count was higher in the CCR group than that in the RCR group(Z=-2.332, P<0.05). Conclusions As a novel invention, CCR combined with IMRT can reduce the incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events and improve immune status without diminishing clinical efficacy, therefore deserving clinical application. Key words: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Chronomodulated chemotherapy; Intensity-modulated radiotherapy; Adverse events; Short-term efficacy