The evolution of nasopharyngeal carcinoma staging

Abstract

The prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is characterized by an unbalanced distribution: the disease is particularly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. In this article, we review the evolution of the International Union Against Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With the increasing using of newer imaging methods, more advanced radiotherapy techniques and systemic chemotherapy, we also discuss newer clinical features that might affect staging. Finally, we propose the future direction of staging and potential prognostic factors that have a major influence on the treatment outcomes of this disease.