Correlation Between Duration of Docetaxel Administration and Epiphora Severity in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

Authors

  • Riani Erna Universitas Sriwijaya
  • Rafika Sidharta Universitas Sriwijaya
  • Denny Satria Utama Universitas Sriwijaya
  • Debby Handayati Harahap Universitas Sriwijaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59784/glosains.v7i3.772

Keywords:

Docetaxel, Epiphora, Munk Score, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Docetaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic agent for various cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, is associated with epiphora as a notable adverse effect.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the duration of docetaxel administration and the severity of epiphora, as assessed by the Munk score, in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken at the Ophthalmology Polyclinic of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang, from January to August 2024. The study sample comprised n=25 patients who met the research criteria. Epiphora severity was measured using the Munk score. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation test.

Results: The majority of patients were male (68.2%) and aged ≤50 years (77.3%). Most received an 80 mg docetaxel dose (91%) for six weeks (77.3%). Based on the Munk score, 86.4% of patients had a score of 1, and 13.6% had a score of 2. No significant associations were found between Munk score and gender (p=0.445), age (p=0.578), or docetaxel dose (p=1.000). However, the duration of docetaxel administration was significantly associated with Munk score (p=0.001) and showed a moderate positive correlation with epiphora severity (r=0.626; p=0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with a Munk score of 2 received docetaxel for a longer duration. A longer duration of docetaxel administration is associated with a higher Munk score for epiphora in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

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Published

2026-07-07