Advances in basic and translational research into nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract According to the International Cancer Research Institute of the World Health Organization data, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains a significant health concern, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia and southern China. Recently, substantial progress has been made in the field of basic and translational research on NPC, enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and paving the way for precise therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the advances in NPC research, focusing on key areas that include radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance and tumor metastasis, microenvironment, metabolism, microbiome, and biomarkers. Additionally, future research directions in NPC are discussed to provide valuable insights to advance the field further.