The efficacy and safety of endostar combined with chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced, locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (Endostar) combined with chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of advanced, locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods: Between March 2010 and October 2013, a total of 22 patients with stage rIII-IVb locally recurrent NPC underwent salvage radiotherapy with Endostar in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was delivered. Platinum-based chemotherapy was used in a neoadjuvant protocol. Endostar was continuously administered intravenously (105 mg/m2) for 14 days (Days 1-14) from the first day of treatment during a 21-day cycle. Tumor response and treatment toxicities were observed. Results: Until January 2014, the median follow-up time was 13 months (range, 4-41 months). All patients completed the planned radiotherapy. A complete response was achieved in 20 patients, and a partial response was achieved in 2 patients. The incidence of grade 3-5 late radiation injury in this study was 50% (11/22) and that of nasopharyngeal mucosal necrosis was 31.8% (7/22). Conclusions: Endostar combined with chemoradiotherapy may be effective in decreasing both the incidence of nasopharyngeal mucosal necrosis. Studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are warranted.