Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates in the lining of the nasopharynx. It is strongly linked to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection and is highly sensitive to radiotherapy. With modern precision treatment, early stage NPC has an excellent cure rate.
Globally, over 130,000 new cases of NPC are diagnosed annually, with more than 70% occurring in East and Southeast Asia. Because early symptoms are subtle, many patients are already at locoregionally advanced stages when first diagnosed. However, timely intervention with modern radiotherapy and systemic therapy can still achieve high cure rates.
China accounts for nearly 50% of the world‘s new NPC cases — approximately 60,000 annually. At Fosun Health, this extraordinary case volume has given our expert teams a depth of experience that ensures precision in every aspect of care — from early detection and accurate staging to intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. As our guiding clinical philosophy states: “The more cases we see, the more precisely we treat.”
Every NPC program has radiation and chemotherapy. Here is what makes ours different:
"If I undergo radiation for nasopharyngeal cancer, will my face be burned? Will I lose my taste forever? Will I never eat solid food again because my mouth is a desert?"
The challenge: NPC sits behind the nasal cavity, adjacent to the brainstem, temporal lobes, parotid glands, inner ears, and swallowing muscles. Traditional two-dimensional radiation inevitably destroys the salivary glands (lifelong dry mouth), obliterates taste buds, causes temporal lobe necrosis, and stiffens the jaw—leaving patients with a "wooden face" and a liquid-only diet. Many survivors say the cure felt worse than the disease.
Our answer: Precision radiotherapy that treats the cancer while sparing the machinery of normal life:
- Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT/VMAT): Beams are sculpted in three dimensions to wrap around the tumor like a glove—delivering curative dose to the nasopharynx while sparing the parotid glands, submandibular glands, cochlea, brainstem, and optic nerves. Salivary flow is preserved. Taste returns. Jaw mobility is maintained.
- CyberKnife M6 Boost: For residual or recurrent focal disease after primary IMRT, 0.1mm sub-millimeter radiosurgery delivers a focused boost to the exact tumor bed—minimizing retreatment toxicity to surrounding nerves and vessels.
- Adaptive Radiotherapy Planning: Weekly imaging during treatment allows us to shrink the radiation field as the tumor responds—reducing cumulative dose to healthy tissue week by week.
- Acute Toxicity Shield: Our clinical team deploys prophylactic oral mucositis protocols, nutritional support via nasogastric or PEG feeding, and saliva-stimulating medications (pilocarpine)—so you complete the full 33–35 fractions on schedule.
- Integrative TCM: Mucosa & Saliva Protection: Evidence-informed herbal rinses and oral coatings protect the oral and pharyngeal mucosa during radiotherapy, reducing painful ulceration and accelerating post-treatment recovery of salivary function.
What this means for you: You can be cured of NPC without sacrificing your face, your taste, or your ability to eat and speak. The radiation is aimed with sniper precision—not a shotgun blast.
"My NPC has returned in the nasopharynx, or small spots have appeared in my lungs or bones. I already had full-dose radiation. Is there any way to fight back without burning me again?"
The challenge: NPC is exquisitely radiosensitive—but recurrence in the previously irradiated field or isolated lung/bone metastases poses a dilemma. Re-irradiation risks catastrophic damage to the brainstem, temporal lobes, and carotid arteries. Many patients are told "nothing more can be done locally."
Our answer: Precision salvage that works around prior radiation:
- CyberKnife M6 Re-Irradiation: For localized recurrence in the nasopharynx or neck, 0.1mm stereotactic radiosurgery delivers ablative doses while the robotic tracking avoids the carotid artery, brainstem, and optic apparatus. Curative-intent retreatment in 1–5 sessions—where conventional re-irradiation would be impossible.
- Image-Guided Ablation for Lung/Bone: For 1–3 oligometastatic lung nodules or painful bone lesions, radiofrequency, microwave, or cryoablation destroys the deposit through a needle puncture—no open surgery, no additional radiation to healthy tissue.
- Iodine-125 Seeds for Cervical Nodes: For recurrent bulky cervical nodes inoperable due to prior radiation scarring, rice-grain-sized seeds are implanted directly into the node—delivering continuous internal radiation that shrinks the mass without surgical dissection.
- Tumor Hyperthermia: For recurrent neck disease or bone metastases receiving palliative or salvage radiation, regional hyperthermia to 40–43°C sensitizes residual cancer cells—making the same radiation dose more lethal without increasing brainstem or carotid toxicity.
What this means for you: Recurrence after full-dose radiation is a setback, not a surrender. We have precision tools to hit the cancer again—while steering clear of the structures that cannot tolerate a second round.
"I am having episodes of severe nosebleeds that soak through towels. My head feels like it is splitting open. The tumor is blocking my throat and I cannot swallow. Can you stabilize me first?"
The challenge: Locally advanced NPC erodes the nasopharyngeal mucosa and internal carotid artery wall, causing torrential epistaxis that can become life-threatening within minutes. Skull-base invasion triggers unrelenting trigeminal and cervical plexus pain. Bulky tumor and retropharyngeal nodes compress the airway and Eustachian tube, causing choking, deafness, and aspiration risk. Patients are anemic, malnourished, and in agony—too weak to begin curative therapy.
Our answer: Rapid interventional and palliative rescue to restore safety and function:
- Superselective Internal Maxillary Artery Embolization: Through a femoral puncture, a microcatheter navigates to the internal maxillary artery and its sphenopalatine branches feeding the nasopharyngeal tumor. Embolic agents seal the bleeding source. Epistaxis stops immediately. No nasal packing. No surgery.
- Endoscopic Tumor Debulking: For massive nasopharyngeal obstruction causing dysphagia or airway compromise, rigid endoscopy with cautery or powered instrumentation removes obstructing tissue—reopening the airway and allowing feeding within hours.
- Urgent Palliative Radiation: Even a single fraction of radiotherapy to a bleeding nasopharyngeal tumor can stop hemorrhage and reduce pain within 48 hours—buying time for definitive chemoradiation to take full effect.
- Percutaneous Aspiration of Necrotic Nodes: For bulky retropharyngeal or cervical nodes that have liquefied and compress the airway, ultrasound-guided aspiration relieves pressure instantly.
What this means for you: When the bleeding won't stop and your airway is closing, our team can embolize the source, open your passage, and relieve the pressure—in a single emergency session—giving you the safety to proceed with curative therapy.
"My NPC has spread beyond the neck, or it has returned after chemoradiation. Platinum chemotherapy is losing effect. Is there anything new for me? And can I afford it?"
The challenge: Metastatic or recurrent NPC is traditionally difficult to control with chemotherapy alone. Once platinum resistance develops, options in many regions are limited to clinical trials or expensive imported drugs. Yet NPC has a unique biology—EBV-driven, highly immunogenic, with abundant lymphocyte infiltration—that makes it an ideal target for immunotherapy.
Our answer: In China, the world’s epicenter of NPC, immunotherapy breakthroughs have arrived first—and they are accessible:
- PD-1 Inhibitors: Toripalimab became the world’s first PD-1 inhibitor approved specifically for recurrent/metastatic NPC—developed and validated in Chinese patients. Camrelizumab and tislelizumab are also approved, delivering durable responses in platinum-resistant disease. These are not incremental; they are transformational for a disease that previously had no effective salvage.
- China-Original Combination Protocols: PD-1 inhibitors + gemcitabine/platinum chemotherapy as first-line metastatic therapy have shown superior survival over chemotherapy alone and are endorsed by CSCO guidelines. PD-1 + anti-angiogenic agents (apatinib) further amplify responses in refractory cases.
- EBV-Directed Monitoring: We use plasma EBV DNA as a real-time biomarker to track immunotherapy response—allowing early switch or intensification if the viral load does not fall.
- Phase III Clinical Trial Fast-Track: When approved immunotherapy fails, rapid access to trials of next-generation PD-1/PD-L1 combinations, EBV-specific T-cell therapies, and novel bispecific antibodies—typically 3–5 years ahead of availability elsewhere
Because these therapies are developed and validated within the world’s highest-incidence region, comprehensive treatment costs are 30%–50% of what you would pay in Europe or the US—with zero compromise in quality.
Guided by PD-L1/EBV profiling and physicians who have managed thousands of advanced NPC cases with these exact drugs.
What this means for you: Your recurrent or metastatic NPC is not a dead end. It is EBV-driven, immune-rich, and treated in the country where the first approved PD-1 therapy for this disease was born. That therapy is available to you—now—at a sustainable cost.
When standard therapies reach their limit, we provide rapid access to China's full portfolio of Phase III clinical trials—therapies typically 3–5 years ahead of availability elsewhere. NGS-based molecular matching identifies trials targeting your specific profile. Every enrollment is ethics-approved with full medical supervision.
Our TCM program runs alongside your primary treatment as a "head-and-neck function guardian":
Toxicity Reduction: Herbal formulations protect oral and pharyngeal mucosa, reduce radiation-induced xerostomia and dysphagia, alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea, and manage the "dry mouth" that plagues survivors for years.
Efficacy Enhancement: Selected preparations may improve radiation sensitivity and support immune reconstitution after intensive chemoradiation.
Acupuncture provides additional support for dry mouth, taste disturbance, neck stiffness, and post-radiation fatigue. The goal: protect your swallowing, your speech, and your quality of life—through treatment and beyond.
Every NPC case is reviewed by a panel comprising radiation oncology, medical oncology, head-and-neck surgery, interventional radiology, radiology, pathology, nutrition, and integrative medicine specialists. NPC decisions are uniquely complex: radiotherapy field design around the brainstem and optic nerves; chemotherapy sequencing with radiation; endoscopic vs. interventional management of bleeding; and immunotherapy selection for EBV-driven metastatic disease.
The MDT convenes within 48 hours of complete documentation. Your plan is a consensus decision optimized for your stage, EBV load, anatomy, and your priorities.
Three years ago, Mr. Zhang (a pseudonym) was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, unfortunately, the cancer recurred. In May '24, Mr. Zhang's eyelid became swollen and painful. Doctors identified this as a nasopharyngeal metastasis and promptly performed surgical resection.
Post-operative pathology revealed it was undifferentiated non-keratinizing carcinoma, with immunohistochemical markers CK+, EGFR (95%+), p40+, confirming the frightening diagnosis of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. After surgery, Mr. Zhang opted to forgo adjuvant therapy, a decision that, in hindsight, seemed to sow the seeds of future trouble.
The respite was short-lived. By August, the familiar eyelid swelling and pain returned, more ferociously than before. Mr. Zhang's vision was severely impaired. The re-examination results indicated that the tumor had recurred.
Facing this challenge, Mr. Zhang chose the treatment plan recommended by Professor Wang Enmin: CyberKnife SBRT radiotherapy.
A miracle occurred at this seemingly hopeless moment. After just 5 precise radiotherapy sessions, it rapidly reduced the eye mass, and his symptoms significantly alleviated. Now, with his condition stabilized.
Led by Dr. Yang Jun, Prof. Luo Pengfei, and Prof. Chen Tao, the Fosun Oncology Center brings together more than 20 world-class medical experts, each with over a decade of extensive oncology experience. Supported by a comprehensive range of advanced therapies — including robotic surgery, precision radiotherapy, minimally invasive intervention, CAR-T cell therapy, and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) — the center delivers one-stop, integrated cancer care designed to make treatment more accessible, efficient, and high-quality for every patient.
Key Highlights
- Over 60,000 annual oncology patient admissions across Fosun’s major international hospitals in 2025
More than 17,000 cumulative TACE procedures completed between 2023 and 2025 at Fosun Hospital Guangzhou alone, with international patients accounting for over 10% of total cases
- More than 1,000 successful CyberKnife treatments performed, demonstrating world-class expertise in precision radiotherapy
- A 29.3% five-year survival rate achieved for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) through combined TTFields therapy, representing a significant improvement over the 4.7% baseline
Core Services
- Robotic surgery
- Precision radiotherapy
- Minimally invasive intervention
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
- Medical oncology
- PET/CT imaging
- Pulmonary nodule diagnosis
- VIP inpatient wards
- Integrated oncology clinics
- Traditional Chinese medicine for oncology
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Genetic testing and counseling
Founded in 1992, Fosun has grown over the past three decades into a global innovation-driven consumer group. In 2007, Fosun International Limited was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 00656.HK). As one of the few Chinese enterprises with strong global operational and investment capabilities, Fosun has developed substantial technological expertise and innovation capacity across multiple industries.
Established in 2010, Shanghai Fosun Health Technology is dedicated to building a world-renowned healthcare group in Asia. Today, the group operates 19 affiliated medical institutions across Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shanghai, and other major cities, with a total of 6,600 hospital beds and 9 Internet Hospital licenses. Fosun Health ranks No. 1 among China’s private comprehensive medical groups. Its flagship institution, Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital, has ranked first among private hospitals in China for eight consecutive years and was honored with the 2026 Global Health Asia-Pacific “Oncological Medical Service Provider of the Year” award.
As the flagship hospital of Fosun Health, Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital was founded in 1958. The hospital currently hosts 28 key specialty development programs, including 2 provincial-level, 13 municipal-level, and 13 district-level key specialties. Its services span 22 medical disciplines, including spinal orthopedics, traditional Chinese medicine gynecology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiovascular medicine, clinical laboratory medicine, anesthesiology, pediatrics, critical care medicine, ultrasound medicine, rehabilitation medicine, general practice, general surgery, and urology.
The hospital is equipped with globally advanced medical technologies, including the CyberKnife system and the Da Vinci Surgical Robot. It has 1,750 approved hospital beds and a multidisciplinary team of more than 2,800 medical professionals. The hospital records nearly 3.19 million outpatient visits annually and more than 67,000 inpatient discharges each year.
Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including:
Global Health Asia-Pacific “Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of the Year”
Global Health China “Hospital of the Year”
No. 1 ranking on the GAHA Top 500 Private Hospitals in China list for eight consecutive years
The hospital has also been recognized as:
A National Model Unit for Improved Medical Services
A National Drug Clinical Trial Institution (GCP)
A National Standardized Residency Training Base
Established in 2003, Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital specializes in cardiovascular medicine, oncology, and neurosciences. The hospital has established a National Chest Pain Center, Stroke Center, Trauma Center, and MDT Center, supporting the development of emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, intensive care, anesthesiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, urology, and general practice.
The hospital operates more than 800 inpatient beds and 48 clinical and medical technology departments, supported by a team of over 880 healthcare professionals.
Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital has received several honors and industry recognitions, including:
EMBA Innovation Practice Base
Guangdong Private Medical Reform & Innovation Brand
Guangdong Private Medical Industry Pioneer Brand
Outstanding Brand Hospital for Medical Investment Contribution
Upload your medical documentation (MRI of nasopharynx, PET-CT reports, pathology slides/reports, EBV serology, NGS/genetic sequencing results). The Fosun Health NPC MDT Panel will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and deliver a personalized preliminary treatment plan within 48 hours.
