Vrushali Angadi1, Emily Dressler2, Joseph Stemple1. 1. 1 Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. 2. 2 Department of Cancer Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (XRT) has proven to be an effective curative modality in the treatment of laryngeal cancers. However, XRT also has deleterious effects on vocal function. AIM: To demonstrate the multidimensional nature of deficits in vocal function as a result of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODOLOGY: Vocal function parameters were chosen from the 5 domains of voice assessment to complete a multidimensional assessment battery. Adults irradiated (XRT group) for laryngeal cancers were compared to a control group of individuals with no history of head and neck cancers or radiation therapy. The control group was matched in age, sex, and pack years of smoking. RESULTS: Eighteen participants were recruited for the study. The XRT group demonstrated significantly worse clinical values as compared to the control group across select parameters in the each of the 5 domains of voice assessment. DISCUSSION: Radiation therapy for laryngeal cancers results in multidimensional deficits in vocal function. Notably, these deficits persist long term. In the present study sample, multidimensional deficits were persistent 2 to 7 years following completion of XRT. The observed multidimensional persistent vocal difficulties highlight the importance of vocal rehabilitation in the irradiated larynx cancer population.
BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (XRT) has proven to be an effective curative modality in the treatment of laryngeal cancers. However, XRT also has deleterious effects on vocal function. AIM: To demonstrate the multidimensional nature of deficits in vocal function as a result of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODOLOGY: Vocal function parameters were chosen from the 5 domains of voice assessment to complete a multidimensional assessment battery. Adults irradiated (XRT group) for laryngeal cancers were compared to a control group of individuals with no history of head and neck cancers or radiation therapy. The control group was matched in age, sex, and pack years of smoking. RESULTS: Eighteen participants were recruited for the study. The XRT group demonstrated significantly worse clinical values as compared to the control group across select parameters in the each of the 5 domains of voice assessment. DISCUSSION: Radiation therapy for laryngeal cancers results in multidimensional deficits in vocal function. Notably, these deficits persist long term. In the present study sample, multidimensional deficits were persistent 2 to 7 years following completion of XRT. The observed multidimensional persistent vocal difficulties highlight the importance of vocal rehabilitation in the irradiated larynx cancer population.
Entities:
Keywords:
laryngeal cancer; multidimensional; organ preservation; radiotherapy; voice quality
Authors: Samuele Ceruti; Andrea Glotta; Anna Galli; Maira Biggiogero; Giovanni Bona; Romano Mauri; Andrea Saporito; Xavier Capdevila Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2021-09-08