Recent Updates and Future Directions in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Literature Review

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy with distinct epidemiology, high association with Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and very high sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Advances in radiology, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, surgical salvage techniques for early recurrent cases, incorporation of immunotherapy have all significantly improved disease control and survival outcomes, making accurate staging increasingly important. In view of increasing good prognosis, the 9th version of the AJCC/UICC staging system introduces modifications to better align with modern treatment approaches and prognostic stratification.
This review summarises highlights the recent updates in NPC staging and throw light on the advances in the management of locoregionally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease, with particular emphasis on immunotherapy. Emerging evidence supports plasma EBV-DNA as a useful biomarker in patients receiving anti–PD-1 therapy for prognosis and early detection of disease progression, although it is not yet incorporated into staging systems. New therapies such as antibody–drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies show promise but require further validation.