Value of predicting metastasis by 1992 staging system and 2008 staging system in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the value of predicting metastasis by 1992 staging system and 2008 staging system in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.METHODS:From 01-01-2004 to 12-31-2004,781 patients with biopsy-proven newly diagnosed nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal cancer who had MRI data of nasopharynx and neck were enrolled.By using the two different NPC staging systems (1992 and 2008),the relationship among T stage,N stage,clinical stage and distant metastasis was itvestigated.RESULTS:In terms of T stage,2008 NPC staging system was better than 1992 NPC staging system to forecast distant metastasis.For N stage,the different staging system had its own advantages.The hazard ratio(HR) of distant metastasis and death was similar in N1a and N0 of 2008 staging system.When these N1a patients were put into T stage,2008 staging system was more rational to forecast distant metastasis.CONCLUSIONS:2008 NPC staging system is better than 1992 NPC staging system to predict NPC distant metastasis.Retropharyngeal nodes should be further investigated for neck nodes negative patients.