Ifosfamide-based chemotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: evaluation of its role as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

The use of Ifosfamide-based chemotherapy in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), in neoadjuvant settings [NACT] has not been sufficiently evaluated. We present here a retrospective analysis of 78 patients of untreated, locoregionally advanced NPC patients who received Ifosfamide-Cisplatin-based NACT at our institute from 1997 to 2004. Definitive treatment comprised radical radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using weekly Cisplatin. Post-NACT, 92% patients had a partial response (PR) while 3% had a complete locoregional response (CR). The rates of CR increased to 87% after completion of definitive treatment. With follow up (38 months), 29% patients developed recurrent/persistent disease. The local and locoregional control rates at 5 years were 76% and 73%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OAS) was 80% and disease-free survival was 65%. Grade III or more neutropenia was seen in 15%. Results of Ifosfamide-Cisplatin combination as a NACT in advanced NPC have been quite encouraging and need to be exploited further.