Nodal grouping in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: prognostic significance, N classification, and a marker for the identification of candidates for induction chemotherapy

This study aimed to evaluate the value of nodal grouping (NG), defined as the presence of at least three contiguous lymph nodes (LNs) within one LN region, in staging and management of patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MR images were reviewed to evaluate LN variables, including NG. The Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression models evaluated the association between the variables and survival. Harrell’s...