A systematic review of international/national guidelines for the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Convergence and divergence of recommendations.
Qin Liu, Handoko, Ji-Shi Li et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed 26 clinical practice guidelines for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) published from January 2000 to November 2025. The study found strong consensus on diagnostic workup and treatment for advanced disease, but significant discrepancies in radiotherapy details and systemic therapy options. The review highlights the need for standardization in NPC management.
Key findings
- Strong consensus exists for diagnostic workup and staging systems in NPC management.
- Induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy is widely recommended for advanced NPC.
- Marked disparities were found in radiotherapy details, including target volume delineation and dose specifications.
- Substantial inconsistencies exist in systemic therapy options across different stage groups.
Why it matters
Understanding the variations in clinical practice guidelines for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is crucial for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This review aids in identifying areas of consensus and controversy, which can guide future research and improve patient care.