Recent Advances in Surveillance Strategies for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
Authors
Affiliations (4)
Affiliations (4)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China. [email protected].
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China. [email protected].
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor characterized by a distinct geographical distribution. Effective surveillance is crucial for the early detection of recurrence or metastasis and for improving patient prognosis.This review systematically examines current NPC follow-up protocols and recent developments to inform individualized precision surveillance. This review focuses on two main aspects. 1) We compare and analyze current major NPC follow-up guidelines, with key discussions covering follow-up frequency, imaging modalities (including magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and positron emission tomography [PET]), plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV-DNA) monitoring, and functional assessments. 2)We elaborate on the application prospects and research progress of genomics, radiomics, and artificial intelligence in NPC surveillance. Studies suggest that risk-stratified, individualized follow-up strategies, such as those based on conditional survival models, can enhance the cost-effectiveness of surveillance. Additionally, emerging technologies, including radiomics and artificial intelligence, show promise for improving recurrence risk assessment, prognostic stratification, and individualized surveillance in NPC. Concurrently, advances in genomics and radiomics offer new opportunities for predicting complications and guiding treatment adjustments. Future efforts should focus on integrating multidisciplinary expertise to develop dynamic monitoring systems that enable precise follow-up and ultimately improve patient survival outcomes.