Retrospective cohort study of patient characteristics and treatment outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a nonendemic region

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents unique challenges in nonendemic regions, with varying patient characteristics and outcomes compared with endemic populations. A retrospective cohort study at The Ohio State University (Columbus) evaluated patient characteristics and treatment outcomes of NPC in a nonendemic region. In this cohort study that included 159 patient with NPC, World Health Organization (WHO) type III tumors predominated across all racial groups, with Epstein-Barr virus positivity varying significantly by race. Age, smoking history, male gender, Epstein-Barr virus status, and WHO type I disease were associated with worse survival outcomes. The authors conclude that NPC presentation patterns in a nonendemic region have shifted toward WHO type III predominance, with Epstein-Barr virus status and smoking history remaining key factors associated with survival outcomes.