Objective: To investigate the effect of docetaxel combined with cisplatin chemotherapy synchronized intensity modulation radiotherapy on the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: One hundred patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into a study group and a control group according to the random number table method. The study group were given intensity modulation radiotherapy, and the control group was given conventional radiotherapy. On the basis of the above, both groups were given docetaxel combined with cisplatin chemotherapy. The short- and long-term prognosis of the two groups were observed. Results: After 3 months of radiotherapy, the clinical treatment efficiency of the study group was higher than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=12.000, P<0.05). The incidence of oral mucosal response and acute exacerbation of III–IV in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (χ2=6.139, 13.279; all P<0.05); the comparison of the long-term efficacy of the two groups showed that, the difference of local control and overall survival of follow-up for the second year between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=13.255, 13.255; all P<0.05). Conclusion: The short- and long-term clinical effects of docetaxel combined with cisplatin chemotherapy synchronized IMRT in patients were satisfied. IMRT can reduce the incidence of complications and protect the normal tissues of the human body effectively.