Treatments for nasopharyngeal cancer
If you have nasopharyngeal cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for nasopharyngeal cancer, your healthcare team will consider:
- the stage of the cancer
- the location of the cancer
- your age and overall health
- what you prefer or want
Treatments for stage 1 nasopharyngeal cancer
The main treatment for stage 1 nasopharyngeal cancer is radiation therapy.
Treatments for stage 2 nasopharyngeal cancer
The main treatment for stage 2 nasopharyngeal cancer is chemoradiation.
Treatments for stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer
The main treatment for stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer is chemoradiation.
Treatments for stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer
The main treatments for stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer include chemoradiation and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy and immunotherapy may be offered.
Treatments for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer
Recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may recur in the same location as the original cancer or it may recur in another part of the body.
Radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to treat cancer. It is a systemic therapy that circulates throughout the body and destroys cancer cells, including those that may have broken away from the primary tumour.
Surgery for nasopharyngeal cancer
Surgery is rarely used to treat primary nasopharyngeal cancer. The anatomy and location of the nasopharynx make it difficult for surgeons to easily reach and completely remove these tumours.
Immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer
Immunotherapy is sometimes used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer. Immunotherapy helps to strengthen or restore the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is sometimes called biological therapy.
Follow-up after treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer
People with nasopharyngeal cancer should talk to their healthcare team about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation.