Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Over the past several decades, there has been a notable decrease in the incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Lifestyle modification, improvements in screening and diagnosis, and advances in radiation and systemic therapy have all contributed to these favorable trends. In this chapter, we review current treatment methods in localized and recurrent/metastatic disease, with an emphasis on systemic therapy. Additionally, we explore the potential role of Epstein-Barr virus in determining treatment strategy and evaluate newer targeted therapies, including immunotherapy, which may become standard treatment options in the future.