A Randomized Controlled Trial of Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation at Low Temperature Versus Electrocautery Block Resection at High Frequency for Localized Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating plasma radiofrequency ablation at low temperature compared to electrocautery block resection at high frequency for patients with localized recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine whether the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency technique leads to better survival outcomes. The study is sponsored by Sun Yat-sen University and focuses on a surgical approach to treat this specific type of cancer recurrence. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive plasma radiofrequency ablation under nasal endoscope guidance, where the tumor and surrounding tissue are carefully removed and ablated at low temperature until no visible tumor remains. The other group will undergo electrocautery block resection, involving a detailed surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues through the nasal cavity. Both procedures are performed via the nasal passage under endoscopic view. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival over two years, which is the primary outcome measure. Additional assessments include overall survival, relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and complications related to surgery within one year. Quality of life will be evaluated using standardized questionnaires at one year. The total duration of follow-up will extend to two years to assess these outcomes and monitor participant well-being after surgery.

Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation at Low Temperature Versus Electrocautery Block Resection at High Frequency for Localized Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma