ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma · Treatment in China

What does a full nasopharyngeal cancer treatment course in China involve?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

It typically involves one to two weeks of staging and pre-treatment preparation (MRI, PET-CT if indicated, EBV DNA, dental clearance, audiometry, nutrition), two to three cycles of induction chemotherapy when indicated, then six to seven weeks of daily IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by a response assessment and a written follow-up plan.

In detail

Ask the centre to state in English who manages acute side effects, what happens if blood counts fall, whether a feeding tube is anticipated, and what records will be provided for your oncologist at home. Planning on 8–12 weeks in China is realistic for locally advanced disease.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Treatment in China” section of the Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about nasopharyngeal carcinoma

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Sources for this answer

  1. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers National Comprehensive Cancer Network · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.