The prognostic value of volumetric reduction of the target lesions after induction chemotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background We explored whether the volumetric reduction ratio of target lesion after induction chemotherapy (IC) had any prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods From 2013 to 2016, 72 NPC patients treated with PCF (paclitaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) IC followed by cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy were analyzed. The volumes of target lesions before and after IC and survival conditions were assessed. Results For all cases, volumetric reduction ratios of the total tumor load >= optimal cutoff values were significantly associated with increased 2-year progression-free survival, locoregional failure-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates, and for cervical lymph nodes, the volumetric reduction ratio >= optimal cutoff value was significant for DMFS (all P < .05). Accordingly, the optimal cutoff values were 24.56% (AUC = 60.5%), 23.91% (AUC = 57.7%), 29.77% (AUC = 75.8%), and 34.17% (AUC = 62.5%), respectively. Conclusion Volumetric reductions of target lesions after IC are independent survival predictors for NPC, especially for those with N2/N3 disease.