gemcitabine + cisplatin + intensity-modulated radiation therapy (Sun Yat-sen University)

This multimodal treatment regimen is designed for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It consists of an induction phase involving chemotherapy with **gemcitabine** and **cisplatin** (GP), followed by definitive **intensity-modulated radiation therapy** (IMRT), often with concurrent cisplatin. Developed and extensively studied by the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, this protocol aims to reduce tumor burden and eliminate micrometastases before local radiation. Gemcitabine acts as a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by targeting ribonucleoside reductase and competing for DNA polymerase incorporation. Cisplatin is a platinum-based cytotoxic agent that induces DNA cross-linking, leading to apoptosis. IMRT provides highly precise radiation delivery, allowing for dose escalation to the tumor while minimizing toxicity to adjacent critical structures. Phase 3 clinical trials have demonstrated that this regimen significantly improves recurrence-free and overall survival compared to standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone in high-risk NPC patients.

Other names

GP induction chemotherapy followed by IMRTGemcitabine and Cisplatin induction chemotherapy plus IMRTSYSUCC NPC regimen