A Longitudinal Study of Plasma EBV DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma From Both Endemic and Non-Endemic Patient Populations

A Longitudinal Study of Plasma EBV DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma From Both Endemic and Non-Endemic Patient Populations

1. To determine the prognostic implication of plasma Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV) DNA concentrations, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
2. To relate pretreatment plasma EBV DNA concentration to WHO classification of these tumors both in endemic and non-endemic areas.
3. To determine whether pretreatment plasma EBV DNA can serve as a prognostic factor for both endemic and non-endemic patient populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a new diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
• Being treated with either radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for this condition.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 since NPC is a very rare condition in this age group and may have a different biological behavior
• Patients who are unable to provide informed consents for themselves.