Effects of Hippocampal Avoidance on Anxiety in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Undergoing Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy: A Single-Center, Single-Arm, Prospective Clinical Trial.
Int J CancerJul 26, 2026 (epub)
Xiujuan Gai, Shiqi Huang, Jinru Ye et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-center, single-arm prospective clinical trial evaluated the impact of hippocampal avoidance (D 40 < 15 Gy) on anxiety in 37 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The study found a 0% incidence of anxiety at the end of radiotherapy, significantly lower than the 30.8% in a historical control group (p = 0.001).
Key findings
- Anxiety incidence was 0% at the end of radiotherapy in the study group.
- Historical control group showed a 30.8% anxiety incidence with D 40 > 15 Gy (p = 0.001).
- At 3 months post-radiotherapy, anxiety incidence remained 0% in 34 patients.
- Cognitive function, measured by MMSE, showed no significant decline throughout the study.
Why it matters
Reducing anxiety in cancer patients can significantly enhance their quality of life during and after treatment. This study suggests that hippocampal avoidance during radiotherapy may be an effective strategy to achieve this goal without compromising cognitive function.