A Prospective Clinical Trial of Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy for Newly Diagnosed Stage I Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

What this Trial Is About

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is most common in eastern Asia, especially among the Cantonese population in Guangdong. Radiotherapy is the standard initial treatment because NPC is sensitive to radiation and located deep in the body. Although radiotherapy has good results, it can cause serious side effects. Surgery is usually for recurrent NPC, but traditional open surgery has many complications and limited success in removing tumors. With advances in surgical techniques, especially the use of electronic endoscopic systems, endoscopic nasopharyngectomy may address these issues. Previous analysis of 9 patients with stage I NPC treated with this surgery showed promising survival rates, suggesting it is a feasible option for early-stage disease. This study compares two treatments for newly diagnosed stage I NPC patients: endoscopic nasopharyngectomy surgery and radical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Endoscopic surgery involves removing the tumor through an endoscope, sometimes using a nasal mucoperiosteal flap to cover defects. The radiotherapy group receives IMRT delivered with a specialized device that targets the tumor precisely. Stage I patients receive only one of these treatments without additional chemotherapy. Participants will be monitored for survival outcomes over 3 years, including overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and loco-regional relapse-free survival. Complication rates will also be tracked for 1 year. The study assesses quality of life alongside these outcomes. The total participation period covers treatment and follow-up visits to evaluate patient health and treatment effects under medical supervision.

Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy for Newly Diagnosed Stage I Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients