Background: The exact role of brachytherapy boost in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is yet to be completely elucidated. We conducted this prospective study to evaluate outcome of patients with NPC treated with high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost, following radical external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with or without chemotherapy.
Methods: Between 1998 and 2003, 10 patients of primary NPC were prospectively considered for HDR-BT boost. Median EBRT dose was 66 Gy (range: 60-70 Gy). Median HDR-BT boost dose was 12 Gy (range: 5-14 Gy) given in 1-4 fractions.
Results: At a median follow-up of 28 months (range: 5-66 months), the local control rate was 90%. Two patients developed distant metastases and one patient developed a second primary in the lower alveolus. The 3-year disease free survival rate was 60%. Grade III mucositis developed in 2 (20%) patients.
Conclusions: HDR-BT is an efficacious boost modality with acceptable morbidity in selected patients with NPC.