Long-Term Outcomes of Reduced-Dose Radiation Therapy in Patients with Epstein-Barr Virus DNA-Selected Stage III Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A 5-Year Follow-Up Secondary Analysis of a Phase II Trial.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol PhysMay 17, 2026 (epub)
Yu-Xi Xiao, Jin-Hao Yang, Xue-Song Sun et al.
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In 30 seconds
This study is a 5-year follow-up secondary analysis of a Phase II trial examining reduced-dose radiation therapy (60 Gy) in patients with low-risk stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) selected by Epstein-Barr virus DNA levels. The results indicated a 5-year progression-free survival of 90.5% in the 60 Gy cohort compared to 79.8% in the standard 70 Gy cohort.
Key findings
- 5-year progression-free survival was 90.5% in the 60 Gy cohort vs 79.8% in the 70 Gy cohort.
- 5-year overall survival rates were 96.6% for the 60 Gy group and 94.9% for the 70 Gy group.
- No grade 3-4 late toxicities were observed in the 60 Gy group, while 10.1% experienced such toxicities in the 70 Gy group.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that reduced-dose radiation therapy may provide effective long-term outcomes with fewer late toxicities for patients with low-risk stage III NPC, potentially influencing treatment protocols and patient quality of life.