Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a new context for dysphagia rehabilitation

The natural history of weight and swallowing outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer patients following radiation or concurrent chemoradiation therapy

PURPOSE

Patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) are at increased risk for functional decline due to cancer-related impairments and treatment toxicities, often leading to recommendations for enteral nutritional support. This study investigated the natural history of weight and swallowing outcomes in patients with and without feeding tube (FT) placement.

METHODS

Data were collected from electronic medical records of OPC patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy at a single regional cancer center between January 2013 and December 2015. Weight measurements, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSS-HN) normalcy of diet scores, and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) composite scores were gathered at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment. Patients were grouped based on FT placement and change over time was assessed using linear mixed effects analysis.

RESULTS

Of 122 eligible patients, 38 (31.1%) received a FT (FT group). Compared with baseline, weight decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months in both groups and at 12 months for patients without a FT (NFT group). Swallowing-related quality of life (QoL) decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months only in the NFT group.

CONCLUSION

OPC patients experience clinically relevant decreases in weight and swallowing-related QoL in the first-year post-treatment irrespective of FT placement. These findings will contribute to improved patient monitoring and communication within the clinical setting which may ultimately lead to better outcomes for those with OPC.

Human papilloma virus-related oropharyngeal cancer: opportunities and challenges in dysphagia management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has emerged as the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) compared with traditional causes of excess alcohol and tobacco use. In this article, we will discuss HPV-related OPC and the challenges and opportunities presented in dysphagia management relative to efforts to de-escalate treatment and improve outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is becoming increasingly apparent that patients with HPV-positive disease appear to respond favourably to chemoradiation. Targeted chemoradiation is associated with severe early and late toxicities related to swallow function. Research is in progress to ascertain the benefit of treatment de-escalation with a particular focus on swallowing outcomes. Patients are younger and, with the improved outcomes reported in the literature, surviving longer with the consequences of their treatment. Given the changing demographic of this patient group, there are a number of opportunities to optimize swallowing outcomes, and this should be underpinned by detailed swallowing evaluation and counselling prior to treatment. A number of strategies have been suggested to improve swallowing outcomes; however, persisting and late-onset swallowing effects continue to be a risk. Transoral surgery is evolving as an option for the treatment of HPV-positive disease; however, more studies are required to understand functional outcomes.

SUMMARY

Clinical trials are now underway to ascertain the effectiveness of tailored treatments for HPV-positive OPC with a focus on swallowing outcomes. It is encouraging that studies are now including detailed, multidimensional swallowing evaluation. Until such time as longitudinal data are available, patients should be treated by speech-language pathologists based on existing radiation treatment protocols and in the knowledge that patients may experience significant late swallowing difficulties.