Negative Prognostic Impact of Smoking on Long-term Survival in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Curative (Chemo)radiotherapy

Background/Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of curative (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to identify prognostic factors influencing treatment outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 73 consecutive patients, treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy from 2002 to 2019 (median stage III/IV 78%). The median total dose of radiotherapy achieved was 70 Gy. Concomitant chemotherapy was given to 82% of patients. Results: The five- and ten-year locoregional controls were 73% and 72%, respectively; the five- and tenyear distant controls were 93% and 93%, respectively. The five- and ten-year overall survival rates were 46% and 34%, respectively. A multivariate analysis identified age, smoking, and the initial response to treatment as the strongest prognostic factors in predicting survival. Conclusion: Smoking & LE;5 years before starting curative (chemo)radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was shown to be an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival with a four-fold higher risk of death compared to non-smokers.