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Zong D, Jiang N, Kong C, Wen J, Wang LJ, Guo YS, Zhang LF, He X, Chen ZZ, Huang SF. Distribution pattern of medial group retropharyngeal lymph nodes and its implication in optimizing clinical target volume in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1228994. [PMID: 37736546 PMCID: PMC10509553 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1228994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and to elucidate the clinical characteristics of medial group retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) based on multi-modal imaging. Also, we intended to explore the feasibility of optimizing the CTV60 boundary based on the characteristics of medial group RLNs. Methods A total of 549 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DWI, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to detect and evaluate clinical characteristics of medial group RLNs. [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was utilized to identify fluorodeoxyglucose uptaking and contrast-enhanced CT to ensure the reliability of CTV optimization during radiotherapy. The DESdC (Drinking, Eating, Swallowing Difficulties, and Coughing while Eating or Drinking) score was utilized to evaluate swallowing disability. Results Fourteen of 549 patients had medial group RLNs with a transverse diameter of 2.0-19.0 mm, which distributed between the upper margin of 1st cervical vertebra (C1) and the upper one-third of C3. Lasso regression and Pearson chi-square test suggested that its occurrence was associated with stage N, bilateral cervical lymph node metastases, especially when the transverse diameter of cervical lymph nodes was > 3 cm. The sensitivity of DWI, T2 STIR, and contrast-enhanced CT was 100%, 57.1%, and 21.4%, respectively. We optimized CTV60 of medial group RLNs from the base of skull to the upper edge of C2 excluding specific cases. For patients with CTV60 optimization, radiation dose and volume of swallowing structures decreased obviously. Based on our radiotherapy strategy on CTV60, acute toxicities of enrolled patients were well tolerated. Ninety-six of 549 patients had scores with DESdC score. Eighty-three patients scored 1, seven patients scored 2, one patient scored 3, and three patients scored 4. The median interval from the onset of symptoms was 72 (4-114) months. The 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were 87%, 80%, 93%, and 85%, respectively. None of the patients with regional recurrence happened in the optimized region. Conclusion DWI possesses superiorities in displaying lymph nodes. Based on the low incidence of the medial RLNs, CTV60 of medial group RLNs from the base of skull to the upper edge of C2 is feasible and has dosimetric advantages for protecting swallowing structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-jun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye-song Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lan-fang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen-zhang Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng-fu Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Patterson JM, Lawton M. Dysphagia Advances in Head and Neck Cancer. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 11:1-8. [PMID: 36816911 PMCID: PMC9930077 DOI: 10.1007/s40136-023-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review summarises the current literature regarding head and neck cancer-associated dysphagia. Up-to-date evidence for dysphagia outcome measurement for this population is provided, in addition to recent innovations that aim to prevent, reduce or remediate the common and debilitating side effects of treatment. Recent Findings Both patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures are necessary to capture the multi-dimensional nature of swallowing. A minimally important difference in scores has been calculated for some of these measures, to aid interpretation and powering of clinical trials. The number of dysphagia-related trials has increased, predominantly investigating optimal treatment for oropharyngeal HPV-positive disease, and speech and language pathology interventions using an impairment-based approach. Summary Although substantial progress has been made, further work is necessary to establish a consensus over outcome measures. Modifying treatments may improve outcomes. Several trials are underway to establish the effectiveness of speech and language pathology dysphagia interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Patterson
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, 1.17 Thompson Yates Building, The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB USA
| | - M. Lawton
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, 1.17 Thompson Yates Building, The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB USA
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Hutchison A, Nund RL, Brown B, Ward EC, Wishart L. Using dosimetric information to guide dysphagia management in patients with head and neck cancer: Clinicians' knowledge and experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 24:417-426. [PMID: 34651538 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2021.1984578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The use of dosimetric information to guide the management of dysphagia related to head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment is an emerging area of practice. In order to better meet the needs of people with dysphagia in HNC, it is important to explore how clinicians use this information to guide practice and also to identify factors that influence/discourage the use of dosimetric information.Method: A descriptive qualitative method was chosen and purposeful sampling with additional snowball sampling were used to recruit clinicians working within Australian cancer centres. To facilitate participation, clinicians were offered either a focus group or individual interview as a means to collect their perspectives. A total of 20 clinicians with varying years of clinical experience (range 2.5 - 29 years) were recruited. Eight participants took part in a focus group and 12 elected to participate in an individual interview. Content analysis was used to analyse transcripts.Result: Three main themes emerged from the transcripts: (1) clinician factors such as experience, confidence and knowledge and (2) clinical service factors such as staffing levels, clinical management pathways and system access influence use of dosimetric information; (3) patient factors such as demographics, surgical history and education needs influence dysphagia management plans.Conclusion: Speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') use of dosimetric information within HNC settings to direct patient management is emerging and varies between clinicians and workplaces. Given that dosimetric information potentially enables specialised dysphagia management planning for patients during their radiotherapy treatment, further education and training for speech-language pathologists in this area should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Hutchison
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca Louise Nund
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bena Brown
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Speech Pathology Department Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laurelie Wishart
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Gawryszuk A, Bijl HP, van der Schaaf A, Perdok N, Wedman J, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Rinkel RN, Steenbakkers RJHM, van den Hoek JGM, van der Laan HP, Langendijk JA. Relationship between videofluoroscopic and subjective (physician- and patient- rated) assessment of late swallowing dysfunction after (chemo) radiation: Results of a prospective observational study. Radiother Oncol 2021; 164:253-260. [PMID: 34592362 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Primary (chemo)radiation (CHRT) for HNC may lead to late dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of swallowing disorders based on prospectively collected objective videofluoroscopic (VF) assessment and to assess the correlations between VF findings and subjective (physician- and patient-rated) swallowing measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS 189 consecutive HNC patients receiving (CH)RT were included. Swallowing evaluation at baseline and 6 months after treatment (T6) encompassed: CTCAE v.4.0 scores (aspiration/dysphagia), PROMs: SWAL QOL/ EORTC QLQ-H&N35 (swallowing domain) questionnaires and VF evaluation: Penetration Aspiration Scale, semi-quantitative swallowing pathophysiology evaluation, temporal measures and oral/pharyngeal residue quantification. Aspiration specific PROMs (aPROMs) were selected. Correlations between late penetration/aspiration (PA_T6) and: clinical factors, CTCAE and aPROMs were assessed using uni- and multivariable analysis. RESULTS Prevalence of PA increased from 20% at baseline to 43% after treatment (p < 0.001). The most relevant baseline predictors for PA_T6 were: PA_T0, age, disease stage III-IV, bilateral RT and baseline aPROM 'Choking when drinking' (AUC: 0.84). In general aPROMs correlated better with VF-based PA than CTCAE scores. The most of physiological swallowing components significantly correlated and predictive for PA (i.e. Laryngeal Vestibular Closure, Laryngeal Elevation and Pharyngeal Contraction) were prone to radiation damage. CONCLUSION The risk of RT-induced PA is substantial. Presented prediction models for late penetration/aspiration may support patient selection for baseline and follow-up VF examination. Furthermore, all aspiration related OARs involved in aforementioned swallowing components should be addressed in swallowing sparing strategies. The dose to these structures as well as baseline PROMs should be included in future NTCP models for aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Gawryszuk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik P Bijl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen van der Schaaf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Perdok
- Department of Otolaryngology, Speech Language Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wedman
- Department of Otolaryngology, Speech Language Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irma M Verdonck-de Leeuw
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
| | - Rico N Rinkel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
| | - Roel J H M Steenbakkers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna G M van den Hoek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Paul van der Laan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A Langendijk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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Hutchison AR, Cartmill B, Wall LR, Ward EC, Hargrave C, Brown E. Practices, knowledge and inter-professional relationships between speech pathologists and radiation therapists managing patients with head and neck cancer. J Med Radiat Sci 2019; 66:103-111. [PMID: 30950231 PMCID: PMC6545474 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined knowledge and practices of speech pathologists (SPs) and radiation therapists (RTs) regarding plan optimisation for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, and the potential impacts on swallowing function. The secondary aim was to explore the level of interaction occurring between these professional groups within cancer centres. Methods Two electronic surveys, with matched questions for SPs and RTs, explored: service/institutional demographics; clinician awareness, practices regarding plan optimisation to swallowing structures and; relationships and interactions between SPs and RTs in the management of HNC patients. Participant recruitment occurred through specialist professional networks with additional snowball sampling. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results A total of 32 SPs and 41 RTs completed surveys. All SPs and 50% of RTs were aware of dose‐dysphagia relationships, though SPs rarely used dosimetric information to inform patient management. Only 33% of RTs indicated that their centres actively constrain dose to swallowing structures, reporting that staffing skill mixtures and lack of prescription by the treating RO were restrictive factors. Both SPs and RTs acknowledged the importance of collaborating with colleagues (SPs/RTs) and felt they could assist their colleagues in devising patient management plans, though current collaboration/interaction was minimal. Conclusions Levels of awareness were found to be higher in SP group. Despite high levels of awareness, limited use of swallowing structure dose constraints and hence dosimetric information specific to swallowing was rarely used to optimise/guide multidisciplinary HNC acute care. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration between SPs and RTs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana R Hutchison
- Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Level 3, Centro Buranda, Buranda, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bena Cartmill
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Level 3, Centro Buranda, Buranda, Queensland, Australia.,Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laurelie R Wall
- Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Level 3, Centro Buranda, Buranda, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Level 3, Centro Buranda, Buranda, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catriona Hargrave
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Brown
- Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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