Prognostic Value Of Clinical And Radiological Features For Local Failure Rate Of Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodes In Patients With Nasopharygeal Carcinoma:a Retrospective Study

Objectives:To investigate prognostic value of clinical and radiological features for3-year local failure rate of retropharyngeal lymph nodes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods:255newly diagnosed patients with NPC, who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and accepted treatment in Zhejiang province tumor hospital from Jan.2010to Dec.2010, were retrospectively enrolled. The metastasis of RNL was judged by MRI. The first end point is the relationship between RLNs related factors and RLNs’3-year LFR.Results:209(81.9%) of255patients were RLN positive, with totally324RLNs. After3-year follow-up,12RLNs were not accused or recurrenced. Accordingly, LFR was3.70%. In univariate analysis, patients with necrosis showed a significant increase in LFR, compared with the rest patients (P=0.0325). Liquefaction was demonstrated with similar prognostic value for LFR. Bilateral RNLs were proved with a relative higher LFR, compared with unilateral RNLs. However, the difference was non-significant (P=0.027). Multiple RNLs were proved with a relative higher LFR, compared with mono-RNLs. The difference was also non-significant (P=0.349). No significant difference was observed in LFRs between RLNs with different minimal axial diameters, tumor volumes, status of the RLN’s capsules.Conclusion:For RNLs of NPC patients, necrosis and liquefaction may be a potentially prognostic factor for LFR and disease progression. Patients with necrosis or liquefaction in RNLs might need to be deliberated.