Leen Van den Steen1,2, Dirk Van Gestel3, Olivier Vanderveken1,2,4, Jan Vanderwegen5,6, Cathy Lazarus7,8, Jean-François Daisne9, Carl Van Laer1,2,4, Pol Specenier2,4, Diane Van Rompaey1, Steven Mariën1, Georges Lawson10, Gilbert Chantrain6, Gauthier Desuter11, Danielle Van den Weyngaert12, Sophie Cvilic13, Sylvie Beauvois3, Johan Allouche6, Laurence Delacroix10, Jan Baptist Vermorken2,4, Marc Peeters2,4, Tatiana Dragan3, Paul Van de Heyning1,2, Marc De Bodt1,2,14, Gwen Van Nuffelen1,2,14. 1. Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery - Rehabilitation Center for Communication Disorders, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. 3. Department of Radiotherapy, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. 4. Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium. 5. Department of Speech, Language and Audiology, Thomas More University College of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium. 6. Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium. 7. Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York. 8. Department of Otorhinolaryngoloy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. 9. Department of Radiation Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU-UCL-Namur, Namur, Belgium. 10. ENT Head and Neck Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU-UCL-Namur, Namur, Belgium. 11. ENT Head and Neck Surgery Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. 12. Department of Multidisciplinary Oncology, ZNA Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. 13. Department of Radiotherapy, Clinique Saint-Jean Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium. 14. Faculty of Speech, Pathology and Audiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Radiation-associated-dysphagia is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Seventy-six patients had a weekly prospective follow-up from baseline until one week post-RT. Combined mixed model analysis (n = 43) determined the evolution of self-perceived swallowing function, isometric tongue strength (MIP), tongue strength (TS) during swallowing (Pswal), and quality of life (QoL) in these patients during RT. RESULTS: Swallowing deteriorated from the third week on, resulting in an increase of tube dependency from 10% at baseline toward 31% post-RT. Both MIP and Pswal are reduced, with anterior MIP decreasing in 29% of patients and posterior MIP in 17%. Pswal decreases for saliva and a bolus swallow. All QoL subscales except "sleep" were affected during RT. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived swallowing function, TS and QoL decrease during RT for HNC. Current findings highlight the need for early monitoring of these parameters.
BACKGROUND: Radiation-associated-dysphagia is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Seventy-six patients had a weekly prospective follow-up from baseline until one week post-RT. Combined mixed model analysis (n = 43) determined the evolution of self-perceived swallowing function, isometric tongue strength (MIP), tongue strength (TS) during swallowing (Pswal), and quality of life (QoL) in these patients during RT. RESULTS: Swallowing deteriorated from the third week on, resulting in an increase of tube dependency from 10% at baseline toward 31% post-RT. Both MIP and Pswal are reduced, with anterior MIP decreasing in 29% of patients and posterior MIP in 17%. Pswal decreases for saliva and a bolus swallow. All QoL subscales except "sleep" were affected during RT. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived swallowing function, TS and QoL decrease during RT for HNC. Current findings highlight the need for early monitoring of these parameters.
Authors: Rebecca T Karsten; Najiba Chargi; Lisette van der Molen; Rob J J H van Son; Remco de Bree; Abrahim Al-Mamgani; Jan P de Boer; Frans J M Hilgers; Michiel W M van den Brekel; Ludi E Smeele; Martijn M Stuiver Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2021-05-27 Impact factor: 2.503