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Hutcheson KA, Warneke CL, Yao CMKL, Zaveri J, Elgohari BE, Goepfert R, Hessel AC, Kupferman ME, Lai SY, Fuller CD, Gunn GB, Garden AS, Johnson F, Ferrarotto R, Lewin JS, Gross ND. Dysphagia After Primary Transoral Robotic Surgery With Neck Dissection vs Nonsurgical Therapy in Patients With Low- to Intermediate-Risk Oropharyngeal Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 145:1053-1063. [PMID: 31556933 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Importance A major goal of primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer is to optimize swallowing outcomes by personalized treatment based on pathologic staging. However, swallowing outcomes after TORS are uncertain, as are the outcomes compared with nonsurgical options. Objectives To estimate rates of acute dysphagia and recovery after TORS and to compare swallowing outcomes by primary treatment modality (TORS or radiotherapy). Design, Setting, and Participants This case series study was a secondary analysis of prospective registry data from 257 patients enrolled from March 1, 2015, to February 28, 2018, at a single academic institution who, according to the AJCC Staging Manual, 7th edition TNM classification, had low- to intermediate-risk human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma possibly resectable by TORS. Exposure Patients were stratified by primary treatment (75 underwent TORS and 182 received radiotherapy). Main Outcomes and Measures Modified barium swallow (MBS) studies graded per Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck Module (MDASI-HN) questionnaires were administered at standard intervals. Prevalence and severity of dysphagia were estimated per DIGEST before and after TORS and 3 to 6 months after treatment. Moderate-severe dysphagia (DIGEST grade ≥2) was assessed using logistic regression and compared by primary treatment group. The MDASI swallowing symptom severity item scores during and after radiotherapy were compared using generalized estimating equations by treatment status at the start of radiotherapy, after induction, and after TORS. Results A total of 257 patients (mean [SD] age, 59.54 [9.07] years; 222 [86.4%] male) were included in the study. Dysphagia severity (per DIGEST) was significantly worse after TORS (r = -0.63; 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.44): 17 patients (22.7%; 95% CI, 13.8%-33.8%) had moderate-severe (DIGEST grade ≥2) acute post-TORS dysphagia significantly associated with primary tumor volume (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11-1.84). DIGEST improved by 3 to 6 months but remained worse than that at baseline; at 3 to 6 months, the number of patients with DIGEST grade 2 or higher dysphagia was 5 (6.7%; 95% CI, 2.2%-14.9%) after primary TORS and 29 (15.9%; 95% CI, 10.9%-22.1%) after radiotherapy. At the start of radiotherapy, MDASI swallowing symptom severity item scores were significantly worse in the post-TORS group compared with postinduction (mean [SD] change, 2.6 [1.1]) and treatment-naive (mean [SD] change, 1.7 [0.3]) patients. This result inverted at radiotherapy end, and all groups converged at 3 to 6 months. Conclusions and Relevance Subacute swallowing outcomes were similar regardless of primary treatment modality among patients with low- to intermediate-risk oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Carla L Warneke
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christopher M K L Yao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jhankruti Zaveri
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Baher E Elgohari
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ryan Goepfert
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy C Hessel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael E Kupferman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephen Y Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - C David Fuller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - G Brandon Gunn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Adam S Garden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Faye Johnson
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jan S Lewin
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Neil D Gross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Borders JC, Brates D. Use of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale in Dysphagia Research: A Systematic Review. Dysphagia 2019; 35:583-597. [PMID: 31538220 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) is an 8-point scale used to characterize the depth and response to airway invasion during videofluoroscopy. Though widely used in the field of deglutition, there is a lack of consensus regarding the statistical properties of the scale. In order to better understand the state of the literature and the statistical use of the PAS, a systematic review was undertaken to descriptively examine trends in statistical and reporting practices of the PAS since its inception. Online databases were searched for studies citing the original PAS article, which yielded 754 unique articles. Of these, 183 studies were included in the review. Results showed inconsistencies in the statistical use of the scale; 79 studies treated the PAS as ordinal, 71 as categorical, and 49 as interval. Ten types of categorizations were identified. Reporting of power analyses (9%), as well as inter- (26%) and intra-rater (17%) reliability, was uncommon. Among studies that administered multiple bolus volumes or consistencies, 55% reported PAS analyses at the participant/group level only. This review confirms the existence of discrepancies in the statistical treatment of the PAS. A lack of consensus among researchers limits comparisons between studies. The approach to handling this scale dictates the statistical tests used, potentially affecting results and interpretations. Consistent application of statistically sound approaches to PAS analyses is vital for the future of deglutition research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Borders
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Danielle Brates
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Checklin M, Pizzari T. Impaired Tongue Function as an Indicator of Laryngeal Aspiration in Adults with Acquired Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review. Dysphagia 2018; 33:778-788. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-018-9902-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Galitis E, Droukas V, Tzakis M, Psarras V, Galiti D, Kyrodimos E, Trichas M, Psyrri A, Papadogeorgakis N, Kouri M, Belli E, Kouloulias V. Trismus and reduced quality of life in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, who received post-operative radiotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/fco-2015-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patients, who receive radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer, develop chronic functional abnormalities and survive with reduced quality of life.
Purpose
We aimed to study patients with oral cancer, who received post-operative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
Patients
Ten patients (mean age 63.8 years) were included.
Methods
Oral mucositis, pain and xerostomia, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and functional abnormalities before and after RT were recorded. The 35 mm MMO or less was accepted as trismus. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ C-30 and Head/Neck35 questionnaires.
Results
Mean RT dose was 64.3 Gray. Six patients received chemoradiotherapy. Severe mucositis, pain and xerostomia were recorded in 6 and 5 patients respectively. MMO was reduced in all patients. The mean MMO (34 mm) reached the level of trismus. The total number of symptoms increased from 3.1 to 6.3 in C-30 and from 3.1 to 8.8 per patient in the H/N35. Severe fatigue, pain, limitations at work, weakness, sad feelings, family problems, sleeping problems, anorexia, financial difficulties, tense/irritable, constipation, nausea, vomiting and depression were most often reported with C-30. Most patients reported low to moderate quality of life. Severe oral, jaw and neck pain, swallowing problems, taste alterations, sticky saliva, dry mouth, coarseness, dental problems, feeling sick and reduced interest in life/sex were the most common symptoms reported with N/H35.
Conclusions
The observed trismus, 2- to 3-fold increase of symptoms and poorer quality of life highlighted the need for support of oral cancer patients, who receive postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Galitis
- Clinic of Orofacial Pain, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Vyron Droukas
- Clinic of Orofacial Pain, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Michail Tzakis
- Clinic of Orofacial Pain, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Vassileios Psarras
- Clinic of Orofacial Pain, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Dimitra Galiti
- Clinic of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Eythymios Kyrodimos
- ENT Clinic, Head & Neck Oncology Unit, Ippokrateion Hospital, Medical School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Miltiadis Trichas
- Department of Radiotherapy , Iaso General Hospital , Athens , Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Oncology Department , ‘Attikon’ University Hospital, Medical School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadogeorgakis
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Evangelismos Hospital, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | - Maria Kouri
- Clinic of Hospital Dentistry, Dental School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
| | | | - Vasileios Kouloulias
- Department of Radiotherapy , ‘Attikon’ University Hospital, Medical School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens Greece
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Rinkel RN, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Doornaert P, Buter J, de Bree R, Langendijk JA, Aaronson NK, Leemans CR. Prevalence of swallowing and speech problems in daily life after chemoradiation for head and neck cancer based on cut-off scores of the patient-reported outcome measures SWAL-QOL and SHI. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 273:1849-55. [PMID: 26071622 PMCID: PMC4899484 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-015-3680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess swallowing and speech outcome after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer, based on the patient-reported outcome measures Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and Speech Handicap Index (SHI), both provided with cut-off scores. This is a cross-sectional study. Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery of a University Medical Center. Sixty patients, 6 months to 5 years after chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and SHI, both validated in Dutch and provided with cut-off scores. Associations were tested between the outcome measures and independent variables (age, gender, tumor stage and site, and radiotherapy technique, time since treatment, comorbidity and food intake). Fifty-two patients returned the SWAL-QOL and 47 the SHI (response rate 87 and 78 %, respectively). Swallowing and speech problems were present in 79 and 55 %, respectively. Normal food intake was noticed in 45, 35 % had a soft diet and 20 % tube feeding. Patients with soft diet and tube feeding reported more swallowing problems compared to patients with normal oral intake. Tumor subsite was significantly associated with swallowing outcome (less problems in larynx/hypopharynx compared to oral/oropharynx). Radiation technique was significantly associated with psychosocial speech problems (less problems in patients treated with IMRT). Swallowing and (to a lesser extent) speech problems in daily life are frequently present after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Future prospective studies will give more insight into the course of speech and swallowing problems after chemoradiation and into efficacy of new radiation techniques and swallowing and speech rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico N Rinkel
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma M Verdonck-de Leeuw
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Patricia Doornaert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Buter
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A Langendijk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Neil K Aaronson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wall LR, Ward EC, Cartmill B, Hill AJ. Physiological changes to the swallowing mechanism following (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a systematic review. Dysphagia 2014; 28:481-493. [PMID: 24078216 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-013-9491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that preventative swallowing rehabilitation, undertaken before or during (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT), can significantly improve early swallowing outcomes for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. However, these treatment protocols are highly variable. Determining specific physiological swallowing parameters that are most likely to be impacted post-(C)RT would assist in refining clear targets for preventative rehabilitation. Therefore, this systematic review (1) examined the frequency and prevalence of physiological swallowing deficits observed post-(C)RT for HNC, and (2) determined the patterns of prevalence of these key physiological deficits over time post-treatment. Online databases were searched for relevant papers published between January 1998 and March 2013. A total of 153 papers were identified and appraised for methodological quality and suitability based on exclusionary criteria. Ultimately, 19 publications met the study’s inclusion criteria. Collation of reported prevalence of physiological swallowing deficits revealed reduced laryngeal excursion, base-of-tongue (BOT) dysfunction, reduced pharyngeal contraction, and impaired epiglottic movement as most frequently reported. BOT dysfunction and impaired epiglottic movement showed a collective prevalence of over 75 % in the majority of patient cohorts, whilst reduced laryngeal elevation and pharyngeal contraction had a prevalence of over 50 %. Subanalysis suggested a trend that the prevalence of these key deficits is dynamic although persistent over time. These findings can be used by clinicians to inform preventative intervention and support the use of specific, evidence-based therapy tasks explicitly selected to target the highly prevalent deficits post-(C)RT for HNC.
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Theurer JA, Yoo J, Nichols AC. Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a new context for dysphagia rehabilitation. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-014-0058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Teymoortash A, Mandapathil M, Hoch S. Indications for reconstruction of mucosal defects in oropharyngeal cancer using a supraclavicular island flap. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014; 43:1054-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Nund RL, Ward EC, Scarinci NA, Cartmill B, Kuipers P, Porceddu SV. The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2014; 16:282-289. [PMID: 24345002 DOI: 10.3109/17549507.2013.861869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of dysphagia in people treated non-surgically for primary head and neck cancer (HNC) is well documented. However, few studies have looked beyond the physiological impairment to explore the lived experience of dysphagia in the post-treatment period of HNC. The current study adopted a person-centred, qualitative approach to describe the experiences of people living with dysphagia in the months and years following non-surgical treatment for HNC. Using maximum variation sampling, 24 participants who had undergone radiotherapy treatment for HNC were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted to explore the impact of dysphagia on participants' everyday lives. The themes identified included: (1) physical changes related to swallowing; (2) emotions evoked by living with dysphagia; (3) altered perceptions and changes in appreciation of food; and (4) personal and lifestyle impacts. The data revealed the breadth and significance of the impact of dysphagia on the lives of people treated curatively for HNC. Assessment and management in the post-treatment period must be sufficiently holistic to address both the changing physical states and the psychosocial needs of people with dysphagia following HNC. Rehabilitation services which focus only on impairment-based management will fail to fully meet the support needs of this clinical population.
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Carers’ Experiences of Dysphagia in People Treated for Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Dysphagia 2014; 29:450-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-014-9527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Nund RL, Ward EC, Scarinci NA, Cartmill B, Kuipers P, Porceddu SV. Survivors' experiences of dysphagia-related services following head and neck cancer: implications for clinical practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2014; 49:354-363. [PMID: 24734913 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is known that people with dysphagia experience a number of negative consequences as a result of their swallowing difficulties following head and neck cancer management (HNC). However their perceptions and experiences of adjusting to dysphagia in the post-treatment phase, and the services received to assist this process, has not been studied. AIMS To explore the lived experience of people with dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for HNC and examine their perceptions of service needs. METHODS & PROCEDURES A demographically diverse group of 24 people who had received radiotherapy for HNC in the past five years, and experienced dysphagia as a result of treatment, were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Each participant took part in a semi-structured, in-depth interview, where they reflected on their adjustment to, and recovery from dysphagia following treatment for HNC, as well as the dysphagia-related services they received during their treatment. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts and to identify key themes that emerged from the data. RESULTS The main integrative theme was the desire for ongoing access to dysphagia-related services in order to adequately manage dysphagia. Within this integrative theme were five additional themes including: (1) entering the unknown: life after treatment for HNC; (2) making practical adjustments to live with dysphagia; (3) making emotional adjustments to live with dysphagia; (4) accessing support outside the hospital services; and (5) perceptions of dysphagia-related services. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The interviews revealed the need for both greater access to services and a desire for services which address the multitude of issues faced by people with dysphagia following HNC in the post-treatment period. Speech and language therapists managing this caseload need to ensure post-treatment services are available and address not only the physical but also the emotional and psychosocial changes impacting people with dysphagia in order to assist them to adjust to, and live successfully with dysphagia. Further research should be conducted to support the development of innovative services and to highlight dysphagia-related survivorship issues to governing bodies/policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Nund
- Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health Services District, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Bhayani MK, Hutcheson KA, Barringer DA, Lisec A, Alvarez CP, Roberts DB, Lai SY, Lewin JS. Gastrostomy tube placement in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy: factors affecting placement and dependence. Head Neck 2013; 35:1634-40. [PMID: 23322563 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients require nutritional support during radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer, little is known regarding the risk factors that predispose to gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement and prolonged dependence, or the therapeutic interventions that may abrogate these effects. METHODS We performed a retrospective medical chart review of patients who were treated for primary oropharyngeal cancer at a tertiary care center from 2003 to 2008. Patients who had a complete response at the primary site at 1-year posttreatment were included. G-tube placement and dependence ≥6 months were evaluated in relationship to site and stage of primary tumor, baseline characteristics, treatment type, smoking status, and swallowing intervention. RESULTS We evaluated 474 patients (79%) with oropharyngeal cancer; 215 patients (40%) had concurrent chemotherapy, 73 patients (15%) had induction chemotherapy, and 69 patients (15%) had induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemotherapy. Two hundred ninety-three patients (62%) received g-tubes, of which 238 (81%) received the g-tube during radiation. At 1-year follow-up, 41 patients (9%) remained dependent on enteral feedings. Placement of g-tubes and prolonged g-tube dependence were significantly more likely in patients with T3 to 4 tumors (p < .001), baseline self-reported dysphagia (p < .001), odynophagia (p < .001), >10% baseline weight loss (p < .001), and in those treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients who reported adherence to exercises had significantly lower rates of g-tube placement (p < .001), and duration of dependence was significantly shorter in those who reported adherence to swallowing exercises (p < .001). CONCLUSION Almost 40% of patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with nonsurgical organ preservation modalities may avoid feeding tube placement. Factors that predispose to g-tube placement and prolonged dependence include T3 to T4 tumors, concurrent chemotherapy, current smoking status, and baseline swallowing dysfunction or weight loss. Adherence to an aggressive swallowing regimen may reduce long-term dependence on enteral nutrition and limit the rate of g-tube placement overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir K Bhayani
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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