Radiation-associated Carotid Artery Disease in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Radiation-associated Carotid Artery Disease in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Radiation-associated carotid vasculopathy is a common late sequelae in patients with head and
 neck cancer, which correlates with the incidence of stroke. Currently, little is known about
 the incidence of radiation-associated carotid vasculopahty in the context of
 intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

 The aim of this study is to determine whether IMRT will increase the incidence of carotid
 vasculopathy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  signed inform consent

 -  age more than 18 years old

 -  ECOG 0-2

 -  pathologic diagnosed, non-metastatic NPC

 -  either untreated or treated by definitive IMRT 3 years ago

 -  did not receive radiation to the head and neck region prior to the diagnosis of NPC

 -  if the patient received definitive IMRT 3 years ago because of NPC, he or she did not
 receive a second course of radiation due to local relapse

 -  no prior surgery of head and neck

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  prior history of cardiovascular disease before the diagnosis of NPC

 -  prior radiation to head and neck before the diagnosis of NPC

 -  prior surgery of head and neck

 -  pregnant or lactating women