Case study
Stage IV nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancer: major tumor shrinkage after treatment
- Patient
- Man, 50
- Diagnosis
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx and oropharynx (stage IV)
- Outcome
- Major tumor shrinkage, feeling much better and back at work
Background
The patient noticed a swollen lymph node near his right ear but put off seeing a doctor for a long time, assuming it was left over from a viral infection.
Scans revealed an extensive tumor that had spread to the base of the skull, the top two vertebrae of the neck and the surrounding tissues of the face and neck. The lymph nodes in his neck were also involved.
Treatment
His case was reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board. Given how far the disease had spread and how unwell he was, treatment started with low doses of chemotherapy that were gradually stepped up.
In 2023 he received chemotherapy combined with a targeted drug.
His regimen was later changed. He is now on a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy (gemcitabine, cisplatin and camrelizumab), and his condition has improved markedly.
Results
Treatment shrank the tumor considerably and made a real difference to his quality of life:
- The tumor shrank considerably.
- His breathing went back to normal.
- He could sleep and eat properly again.
- He felt well enough to go back to work.
Even though the disease was very advanced, treatment brought about a marked improvement.
CT scans before and after treatment
May 30, 2023 — before treatment
October 8, 2023 — follow-up scan
Nasopharynx and skull base, axial view
Neck, coronal view
Side (sagittal) view
Affected lymph node in the neck (arrow)
Where he is now
He is continuing cancer treatment, and his condition has improved significantly on the current regimen.
Photos of the patient
A case from my practice. Treatment results vary, and other patients may respond differently.
