DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i03.014

Pages: 235-240

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC] is a distinct head and neck malignancy characterized by specific epidemiological, histological, and geographical features. It is particularly prevalent in endemic areas such as Southeast Asia and North Africa. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles of NPC patients treated at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mohammed VI Hemato-Oncology Hospital, Marrakech. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including 105 patients with histologically confirmed NPC treated between January 2020 and December 2025. Epidemiological, clinical, histological, staging, treatment, toxicity, and survival data were analyzed. Results: The median age was 47.5 years [range: 19–73], with a marked male predominance [male-to-female ratio: 4.2]. Toxic habits were reported in 27.9% of patients, and a family history of cancer was present in 30.2%. Diagnosis was often delayed, with a mean consultation time of 9 months. Cervical lymphadenopathy was the most frequent presenting symptom [72.5%], followed by rhinological [65.1%] and otological symptoms [55.8%]. Undifferentiated non-keratinizing carcinoma represented 98.6% of cases. Most patients presented with locally advanced disease. According to the AJCC 8th edition staging system, T3 and T4 tumors accounted for 34.3% and 26.7%, respectively, while N2 and N3 stages represented 34.9% and 26.4%. Distant metastases at diagnosis were observed in 17.9% of patients. Radiotherapy was delivered in 88 patients using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, with a total dose of 70 Gy to the primary tumor. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was the standard treatment for stage II–IVB disease. Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine was administered in selected locally advanced cases. In metastatic settings, systemic platinum-based chemotherapy was used. Acute grade II mucositis occurred in 36.5% of patients, and grade III toxicity in 3 cases. Lat