Abstract
Background
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the swallowing performance of patients with head and neck cancer treated with parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Methods
Sixty-two patients were recruited. Data were collected before and up to 12 months after treatment. Measures included the Performance Status Scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN Normalcy of Diet and Eating in Public subscales), tube feeding status, and 100 mL water swallow test (WST) volume and capacity scores.
Results
There was a significant reduction in PSS-HN and WST scores from baseline to 3 months (p < .001). Significant improvements were observed up to 12 months on the PSS-HN. Swallowing volume and capacity scores recovered but did not reach statistical significance. Tube feeding was not required in 47% of the patients.
Conclusion
IMRT significantly impacts on swallowing performance, although there is a trend for improvement up to 12 months after treatment. Our data support a case-by-case approach to tube feeding.
The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the swallowing performance of patients with head and neck cancer treated with parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Methods
Sixty-two patients were recruited. Data were collected before and up to 12 months after treatment. Measures included the Performance Status Scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN Normalcy of Diet and Eating in Public subscales), tube feeding status, and 100 mL water swallow test (WST) volume and capacity scores.
Results
There was a significant reduction in PSS-HN and WST scores from baseline to 3 months (p < .001). Significant improvements were observed up to 12 months on the PSS-HN. Swallowing volume and capacity scores recovered but did not reach statistical significance. Tube feeding was not required in 47% of the patients.
Conclusion
IMRT significantly impacts on swallowing performance, although there is a trend for improvement up to 12 months after treatment. Our data support a case-by-case approach to tube feeding.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | E1436–E1444 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 38 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2016 |