CACA guidelines for holistic integrative management of adolescent and childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Adolescent and childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy with unique biological and genetic characteristics, often associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This CACA guideline provides an integrative approach to the management of adolescent and childhood NPC, focusing on biology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment strategies. The incidence of NPC is higher in adolescent boys and is more frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage in adolescent and childhood population compared to adults. However, adolescent and childhood NPC generally have a better prognosis. The primary treatment is radiotherapy (RT), with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) being the preferred technique due to its reduced damage to normal tissues. Chemotherapy, particularly induction chemotherapy, plays a significant role, especially in locally advanced disease. Personalized treatment strategies, including adjusting RT dosage based on chemotherapy outcomes, may reduce long-term adverse effects. The role of adjuvant therapy post-RT remains unclear and requires further research. The main objective of this guideline is to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment process of adolescent and childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with a multidisciplinary approach to optimize therapeutic outcomes and quality of life for this disease.

Keywords

• Adolescent and childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• Diagnosis
• Treatment