Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate short-term effect of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by combined external irradiation and intracavitary brachytherapy of the high dose rate. Methods From August 1996 to August 1998,among 74 patienis with NPC,16 cases received external beam for 52～62GY/5.2～6.2W，followed by intracavitary brachytherapy for 16～24GY/2～3T/2～3W and 38 cases taking inteacavitary brachytherapy to local lump remain for 6～16GY/1～2T/1～2W after receiving external beam for 70GY/7W,20 patients with local failure received external beam for 40～60GY/4～6W，followed by intracavitary brachytherapy for 16～30GY/2～3T/2～3W. Results Intracavitary brachytherapy dose exceed 24GY and recrudescence patients with severe mucous membrane reaction,patients with local remain tumour having 100%,detumescence rate and ones with local failure having 90% detumescence rate,tumour control rate being 93.3% for one year. Conclusion Poper intracavity brachytereraph can improve local detumescence rate and control rate and without sever radiation cure syndrome.