The risk of second primary cancer after nasopharyngeal cancer: a systematic review

Purpose Second primary cancers (SPCs) after nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) are rare, but have an impact on the follow-up of this patient population. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature to determine the prevalence and most typical sites of SPCs after NPC. Methods We searched the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles on SPCs after NPC. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Results This review includes data on 89 168 patients with NPC from 21 articles. The mean occurrence for SPCs was 6.6% and varied from 4.9% in endemic areas to 8.7% in non-endemic areas. The most frequent locations of SPCs were oral cavity, pharynx, nose and paranasal sinuses, esophagus and lung. Conclusion There is an increased risk for a SPC after NPC management, especially in non-endemic areas. However, their mean rate is lower than after other head and neck carcinomas.