Guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract With the extensive application of intensity‐modulated conformal radiotherapy and the deepening of the concept of comprehensive treatment, the therapeutic effect of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the quality of life of patients have been significantly improved. However, guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China are in short supply. Dozens of experts from the Radiation Oncology Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Radiation Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association have developed the publication Guidelines for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China after discussion. The guidelines include the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical stage, treatment principle, and treatment of complications of radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Importantly, the procedure of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been developed, which covers the imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy localization, target area delineation, dose limitation, and plan evaluation. The guidelines will help to realize the homogenization of the diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma among radiotherapeutic medical staff in different levels of hospitals in China, thereby improving the overall level of diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China.