Nasopharyngeal Cancer

[Marija783]

Hi,
My father was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Jan 2007 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and got rid of the cancer. Unfortunately, we found out a few weeks ago that the cancer has returned. It's Type 1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer and is located at the skull base. The oncologist said we are unable to undergo radiotherapy again as it may damage the brain stem so he is taking two new chemo drugs to help manage the tumor. Although they are trying to do everything to help they said he may only have a few months left to live. We have been researching new techniques used to get rid of or manage this cancer and there's lots of new research out there, but almost nobody is willing to do surgery for this type of cancer due to it's location.
The question I'm asking is whether there are any institutes in the world that are willing to operate in this delicate area? I understand that it is risky but we're willing to try anything! Also, are there any promising treatments out there that may help other than the 2 chemotherapy drugs he's taking (cisplatin and 5FU)? Any response will be appreciated.

Kind Regards
Marija

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Aside from the cisplatin and 5FU, he may also benefit from the addition of Cetuximab to the chemotherapy.  Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets growth receptors in the nasopharyngeal cancer cells.  Adding this may increase the efficacy of the other chemotherapeutic drugs.  Docetaxel is another newer drug which may serve as an alternative in case the cisplatin and 5FU do not work.  All the large cancer institutes in the US (e.g. MD Anderson or Mayo Clinic) should have surgical expertise in treating this type of cancer.  Maybe you can seek a second opinion with a surgical oncologist from one of those institutions.