A comparative observation of acute adverse reaction of IMRT and conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective To compare the acute adverse reaction of radiotherapy for newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma using conventional or intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT).Methods Sixty newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were randomized to 2 groups:conventional radiotherapy group(n=33)and IMRT group(n=27).Acute toxic reactions including acute skin reaction,xerostomia,oral mucositis and acute parotid edema were observed.Results The incidences of acute skin reaction,xerostomia and acute parotid edema in IMRT group were significantly lower than those in the conventional radiotherapy group,the incidence of oral mucositis was similar in the 2 groups.Conclusion IMRT can significantly reduce the incidences of acute skin reaction,xerostomia and acute parotid edema compared with conventional radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.