Radiation Therapy Adjusted by Chemotherapy Response for Epstein-Barr Virus-Linked Nasopharyngeal Cancer Comparing Lower Dose IMRT vs Standard Dose IMRT in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of induction chemotherapy response-guided radiation therapy compared to standard radiation therapy in patients with Epstein-Barr virus EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer. This trial focuses on intensity-modulated radiation therapy IMRT, an advanced radiation technique designed to target tumors precisely while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The study aims to find out if using lower doses of radiation based on chemotherapy response can be as effective as the standard approach and may reduce side effects like hearing loss and dental problems. Participants are assigned to one of two groups based on their response to induction chemotherapy. Those with a partial tumor response receive de-escalated IMRT daily, five days a week, for up to seven weeks, while those with stable or progressive disease receive the standard IMRT schedule over the same period. During treatment, participants undergo various imaging scans such as CT, MRI, PET, and bone scans, along with blood sample collections to monitor disease status and treatment effects. Throughout the study, participants are followed closely with assessments including imaging and blood tests to measure progression-free survival, overall survival, tumor recurrence, and the occurrence of side effects. Follow-up visits occur three months after treatment completion and then every six months for up to ten years. Researchers also evaluate quality of life, fatigue, treatment toxicities, and explore links between tumor characteristics and outcomes to better understand the benefits and risks of the radiation approaches.

Induction Chemotherapy Response-Guided Radiation for EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma