A Review of the Role of DWI in Radiation Therapy Planning and Treatment Response Assessment for NPC Management

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in the nasopharynx. Its high incidence rate in certain regions of the world poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of NPC. Among various imaging modalities, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has emerged as a promising technique due to its ability to provide functional information on tissue activity. This paper reviews the principles of DWI, its role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of NPC, and its potential applications in radiation therapy planning and treatment monitoring. DWI has been shown to have higher sensitivity and specificity for the detection of NPC compared to other imaging modalities. It can aid in the selection of radiation dose and target volumes, and monitor the timing and extent of treatment response. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of DWI in the management of NPC.