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Agarwal K, Kumar P, S N, Kumar P, Garg A, Nigam J, N S S. Feasibility of Achieving Dose Constraints for Dysphagia Aspiration-Related Structures and Its Clinical Significance in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Planning of Head and Neck Cancer. Cureus 2024; 16:e53769. [PMID: 38465172 PMCID: PMC10922219 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53769] [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: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dysphagia is commonly seen in patients with head and neck cancers after undergoing chemoradiotherapy and is often under-reported and also not given clinical importance. The quality of life of the patients can be significantly improved if the required dose constraints to the dysphagia aspiration-related structures (DARS) are achieved. The present study was conducted in order to determine the feasibility of achieving the dose constraints to DARS between the standard intensity-modulated radiotherapy (st-IMRT) arm and the dysphagia-optimized IMRT (do-IMRT) arm. Material and methods Sixty patients with head and neck cancer were recruited and randomized into two groups: In one group called the st-IMRT, constraints were not given to DARS, and in the other group called the do-IMRT, constraints were given to DARS. Treatment was given in the form of chemoradiation with a dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions by IMRT technique, over seven weeks, 2 Gy per fraction along with weekly concurrent Cisplatin (35 mg/m2) in both the groups. Step and shoot IMRT setup was used for planning, and the system used for planning was Eclipse 13.6 (Varian Medical System, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, US); progressive resolution optimizer algorithm was used for optimization, and Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm algorithm was used for dose calculation. Truebeam was used for treatment delivery. DARS dosimetric parameters assessed were Dmean, V30, V50, V60, V70, D50, and D80. Radiation-induced toxicities to the skin, mucosa, larynx, salivary gland, and dysphagia and hematological toxicities were assessed in between both the groups during and after radiotherapy up to six months based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects v5.0. p-values were calculated using the unpaired T-test. Results In the cohort of 60 patients with head and neck cancers, 95% were males. Dosimetric parameters of the planning target volume (PTV) were compared but were not found to be significant. In the dosimetry of the organs at risk, a p-value of some structures was found to be significant although the doses received were well within the tolerable limits in both arms. DARS dosimetry V60 and V70 of the inferior constrictor muscle was found to be statistically significant (p=0.01 and 0.008, respectively). V60 and V70 of larynx were also statistically significant (p=0.009 and 0.000, respectively). V70 and D50 of cricopharyngeus were found to be statistically significant (p=0.01 and 0.03, respectively), V30 and V60 for combined pharyngeal constrictor muscles were found to be statistically significant (p=0.02 and 0.01), and lastly, V60 for combined DARS was also significant (p=0.004). Post-treatment 33.3% of patients in the st-IMRT arm required Ryle's tube placement. No grade 4 toxicities were seen in either arm regarding hematological toxicities, acute or chronic radiation-induced toxicities. In site-wise comparison of doses, the p-value was not found to be significant in patients with oropharyngeal and oral cavity carcinomas but was found to be statistically significant in the larynx and hypopharynx subsites. Conclusion The feasibility of achieving dose constraints to the DARS was seen in cases of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers where the constrictor muscles were at a distance from the PTV. Further, the feasibility of achieving dose constraints may be seen in lower-dose prescriptions either in postoperative cases or in low-risk clinical target volume nodal volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Agarwal
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Navitha S
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Ayush Garg
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Jitendra Nigam
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
| | - Silambarasan N S
- Radiation Oncology, SRMS (Shri Ram Murti Smarak) Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, IND
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Huynh TTM, Dale E, Falk RS, Hellebust TP, Astrup GL, Malinen E, Edin NFJ, Bjordal K, Herlofson BB, Kiserud CE, Helland Å, Amdal CD. Radiation-induced long-term dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer and association with dose-volume parameters. Radiother Oncol 2024; 190:110044. [PMID: 38061420 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.110044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although dysphagia is a common side effect after radiotherapy (RT) of head and neck cancer (HNC), data on long-term dysphagia is scarce. We aimed to 1) compare radiation dose parameters in HNC survivors with and without dysphagia, 2) investigate factors associated with long-term dysphagia and its possible impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and 3) investigate how our data agree with existing NTCP models. METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted in 2018-2020, included HNC survivors treated in 2007-2013. Participants attended a one-day examination in hospital and filled in patient questionnaires. Dysphagia was measured with the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 swallowing scale. Toxicity was scored with CTCAE v.4. We contoured swallowing organs at risk (SWOAR) on RT plans, calculated dose-volume histograms (DVHs), performed logistic regression analyses and tested our data in established NTCP models. RESULTS Of the 239 participants, 75 (31%) reported dysphagia. Compared to survivors without dysphagia, this group had reduced HRQoL and the DVHs for infrahyoid SWOAR were significantly shifted to the right. Long-term dysphagia was associated with age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10), female sex (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.45-5.21), and mean dose to middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle (MD-MPCM) (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09). NTCP models overall underestimated the risk of long-term dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS Long-term dysphagia was associated with higher age, being female, and high MD-MPCM. Doses to distally located SWOAR seemed to be risk factors. Existing NTCP models do not sufficiently predict long-term dysphagia. Further efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence and consequences of this late effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Tien Maria Huynh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Einar Dale
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Taran Paulsen Hellebust
- Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Eirik Malinen
- Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristin Bjordal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Research support services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Brokstad Herlofson
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Åslaug Helland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Delphin Amdal
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research support services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Hughes RT, Levine BJ, May N, Shenker RF, Yang JH, Lanier CM, Frizzell BA, Greven KM, Waltonen JD. Survival and Swallowing Function after Primary Radiotherapy versus Transoral Robotic Surgery for Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2023; 85:284-293. [PMID: 37647863 PMCID: PMC10631491 DOI: 10.1159/000531995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) versus radiotherapy (RT) on progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and 1-year swallowing function for patients with early-stage HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS Patients with stage I-II (AJCC 8th Ed.) HPV-associated OPSCC treated with TORS followed by risk-adapted adjuvant therapy or (chemo)radiotherapy between 2014 and 2019 were identified. PFS, OS, and swallowing outcomes including gastrostomy tube (GT) use/dependence, and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) change over 1 year were compared. RESULTS One hundred sixty-seven patients were analyzed: 116 treated with TORS with or without adjuvant RT and 51 treated with RT (50 chemoRT). The RT group had more advanced tumor/nodal stage, higher comorbidity, and higher rates of concurrent chemotherapy. There were no differences in 3-year PFS (88% TORS vs. 75% RT) or OS (90% vs. 81%) between groups, which persisted after adjusting for stage, age, and comorbidity. GT use/dependence rates were higher in the RT group. Mean (SD) FOIS scores in the TORS group were 6.9 (0.4) at baseline and 6.4 (1.0) at 1 year, compared with 6.7 (0.6) and 5.6 (1.7) for the RT group. Only clinical nodal stage was found to be significantly associated with FOIS change from baseline to 1 year. CONCLUSION There were no differences in PFS or OS between patients treated with primary TORS or RT for early-stage HPV-associated OPSCC. Clinical N2 status is associated with FOIS change at 1 year and may be the major factor affecting long-term swallowing function, irrespective of primary treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T. Hughes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Beverly J. Levine
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake
Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Nelson May
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School
of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rachel F. Shenker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of
Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jae H. Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School
of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Claire M. Lanier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Bart A. Frizzell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Greven
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Joshua D. Waltonen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School
of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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MRI-based adaptive radiotherapy has the potential to reduce dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer. Phys Med 2023; 105:102511. [PMID: 36563523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Ashour MG, Shouman TH, Hassouna AH, Mokhtar MH, Emad El Din R, Youssef AA, Gomaa MM, Abdelgeleel S. Swallowing sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy versus standard parotid sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy for treatment of head and neck cancer: a randomized clinical trial. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:134-140. [PMID: 35000532 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.2022198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysphagia is a distressing symptom during and after radiotherapy treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate whether swallowing sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (SW-IMRT) reduces the occurrence of swallowing dysfunction compared to the standard IMRT (ST-IMRT). METHODS We randomized, planned, and treated patients with HNC who needed whole neck irradiation using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) IMRT technique. Doses of 70, 60, and 54 Gy (over 33 daily fractions) were prescribed to the primary tumor, high-risk and low-risk regions, respectively. The postoperative cases received 60 and 54 Gy (over 30 daily fractions) to the high-risk planning target volume (PTV) and low-risk PTV. We contoured organs at risk related to swallowing dysfunction (SWOARs) in all cases. In the ST-IMRT group, parotids only were spared. In the SW-IMRT group, parotids and SWOARs outside the high-risk PTV were spared. Assessment of dysphagia included clinical and instrumental evaluation. RESULTS One hundred forty-six patients ended their radiotherapy treatment. Dose distribution showed comparable PTV coverage and no difference in parotid glands sparing between the two groups. SWOARs dose reduction with SW-IMRT differs according to tumor location and its overlap with SWOARs. Using different assessment methods, SW-IMRT was associated with a lower occurrence of dysphagia up to one year after treatment. There was no difference between the two groups regarding acute dysphagia (p = 0.262), overall survival (p = 0.811), and disease-free survival (p = 0.876). CONCLUSION SW-IMRT is significantly better than ST-IMRT regarding a physician-rated and objective assessment of swallowing dysfunction at short- and long-term post-treatment follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Gamal Ashour
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tarek Hamed Shouman
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Hamed Hassouna
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Reem Emad El Din
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayda Aly Youssef
- Radiology Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Shaimaa Abdelgeleel
- Statistics Department, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Charters E, Bogaardt H, Clark J, Milross C, Freeman-Sanderson A, Ballard K, Britton R, McCabe N, Davis H, Sullivan T, Wu R. Functional swallowing outcomes related to radiation exposure to dysphagia and aspiration-related structures in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing definitive and postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Head Neck 2021; 44:399-411. [PMID: 34808023 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26936] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between swallowing outcomes and radiotherapy dose to dysphagia and aspiration-related structures (DARS) may be different following definitive versus postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for mucosal head and neck cancer (HNC) and has not been well-studied. METHOD Patient- and clinician-reported swallowing measures were prospectively collected at six time points from baseline to 24 months postradiotherapy HNC. Radiotherapy plans were retrospectively analyzed to assess dose delivered to DARS. The association between swallowing outcomes and participant demographics, tumor characteristics, and radiotherapy dose in definitive and postoperative treatment cohorts was assessed. RESULTS Ninety-three participants who received radiotherapy for HNC were included in the analysis (n = 49 definitive radiotherapy for laryngeal/pharyngeal primary tumors and n = 44 postoperative PORT for predominantly oral cavity/salivary gland tumors). Participants undergoing PORT had lower doses to DARS than those undergoing definitive RT. High dose to the pharyngeal constrictors and base of tongue for definitive RT and the esophageal inlet, supraglottic larynx and cervical esophagus for the PORT group were associated with worse swallowing function. CONCLUSION Radiation dose to DARS is associated with post-treatment swallowing outcomes. These dose/outcome relationships may vary between the definitive and postoperative settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Charters
- Department of Allied Health, Speech Pathology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hans Bogaardt
- University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Allied Health Science and Practice, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Clark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Royal Prince Alfred Institute of Academic Surgery, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Milross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Kirrie Ballard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rafe Britton
- Lubrication Explained, Biostatistics Department, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie McCabe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah Davis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tom Sullivan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Weppler S, Quon H, Schinkel C, Yarschenko A, Barbera L, Harjai N, Smith W. Patient-Reported Outcomes-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:759724. [PMID: 34737963 PMCID: PMC8560706 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.759724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify which patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may be most improved through adaptive radiation therapy (ART) with the goal of reducing toxicity incidence among head and neck cancer patients. Methods One hundred fifty-five head and neck cancer patients receiving radical VMAT (chemo)radiotherapy (66-70 Gy in 30-35 fractions) completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Xerostomia Questionnaire while attending routine follow-up clinics between June-October 2019. Hierarchical clustering characterized symptom endorsement. Conventional statistical approaches indicated associations between dose and commonly reported symptoms. These associations, and the potential benefit of interfractional dose corrections, were further explored via logistic regression. Results Radiotherapy-related symptoms were commonly reported (dry mouth, difficulty swallowing/chewing). Clustering identified three patient subgroups reporting: none/mild symptoms for most items (60.6% of patients); moderate/severe symptoms affecting some aspects of general well-being (32.9%); and moderate/severe symptom reporting for most items (6.5%). Clusters of PRO items broadly consisted of acute toxicities, general well-being, and head and neck-specific symptoms (xerostomia, dysphagia). Dose-PRO relationships were strongest between delivered pharyngeal constrictor Dmean and patient-reported dysphagia, with MDADI composite scores (mean ± SD) of 25.7 ± 18.9 for patients with Dmean <50 Gy vs. 32.4 ± 17.1 with Dmean ≥50 Gy. Based on logistic regression models, during-treatment dose corrections back to planned values may confer ≥5% decrease in the absolute risk of self-reported physical dysphagia symptoms ≥1 year post-treatment in 1.2% of patients, with a ≥5% decrease in relative risk in 23.3% of patients. Conclusions Patient-reported dysphagia symptoms are strongly associated with delivered dose to the pharyngeal constrictor. Dysphagia-focused ART may provide the greatest toxicity benefit to head and neck cancer patients, and represent a potential new direction for ART, given that the existing ART literature has focused almost exclusively on xerostomia reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Weppler
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Physics, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Harvey Quon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Colleen Schinkel
- Department of Medical Physics, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Yarschenko
- Department of Medical Physics, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Barbera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nabhya Harjai
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Smith
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Physics, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Pu D, Lee VHF, Chan KMK, Yuen MTY, Quon H, Tsang RKY. The Relationships Between Radiation Dosage and Long-term Swallowing Kinematics and Timing in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors. Dysphagia 2021; 37:612-621. [PMID: 33909131 PMCID: PMC9072442 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dosimetry and swallowing kinematic and timing measures. Thirteen kinematic and timing measures of swallowing from videofluoroscopic analysis were used as outcome measures to reflect swallowing function. IMRT dosimetry was accessed for thirteen swallowing-related structures. A cohort of 44 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors at least 3 years post-IMRT were recruited. The cohort had a mean age of 53.2 ± 11.9 years, 77.3% of whom were male. There was an average of 68.24 ± 14.15 months since end of IMRT; 41 (93.2%) had undergone concurrent chemotherapy. For displacement measures, female sex and higher doses to the cricopharyngeus, glottic larynx, and base of tongue were associated with reduced hyolaryngeal excursion and pharyngeal constriction, and more residue. For timing measures, higher dose to the genioglossus was associated with reduced processing time at all stages of the swallow. The inferior pharyngeal constrictor emerged with a distinctly different pattern of association with mean radiation dosage compared to other structures. Greater changes to swallowing kinematics and timing were observed for pudding thick consistency than thin liquid. Increasing radiation dosage to swallowing-related structures is associated with reduced swallowing kinematics. However, not all structures are affected the same way, therefore organ sparing during treatment planning for IMRT needs to consider function rather than focusing on select muscles. Dose-response relationships should be investigated with a comprehensive set of swallowing structures to capture the holistic process of swallowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Pu
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Swallowing Research Laboratory, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Victor H F Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen M K Chan
- Swallowing Research Laboratory, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Margaret T Y Yuen
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Harry Quon
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology and Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Raymond K Y Tsang
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Surgery and Department of ENT, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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Petkar I, McQuaid D, Dunlop A, Tyler J, Hall E, Nutting C. Inter-Observer Variation in Delineating the Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle as Organ at Risk in Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:644767. [PMID: 33768005 PMCID: PMC7985335 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.644767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To evaluate the inter-observer variation (IOV) in pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM) contouring, and resultant impact on dosimetry and estimated toxicity, as part of the pre-trial radiotherapy trial quality assurance (RTQA) within DARS, a multicenter phase III randomized controlled trial investigating the functional benefits of dysphagia-optimized intensity-modulated radiotherapy (Do-IMRT) in pharyngeal cancers. METHODS AND MATERIALS Outlining accuracy of 15 clinicians' superior and middle PCM (SMPCM) and inferior PCM (IPCM) were retrospectively assessed against gold standards (GS) using volume, location, and conformity indices (CIs) on a pre-trial benchmark case of oropharyngeal cancer. The influence of delineation variability on dose delivered to the constrictor muscles with Do-IMRT and resultant normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for physician-scored radiation-associated dysphagia at 6 months was evaluated. RESULTS For GS, SMPCM, and IPCM volumes were 13.51 and 1.67 cm3; corresponding clinician mean volumes were 12.18 cm3 (SD 3.0) and 2.40 cm3 (SD 0.9) respectively. High IOV in SMPCM and IPCM delineation was observed by the low DICE similarity coefficient value, along with high geographical miss index and discordance index values. Delineation variability did not significantly affect the mean dose delivered to the constrictors, relative to the GS plan. Mean clinician NTCP was 24.6% (SD 0.6), compared to the GS-NTCP of 24.7%. CONCLUSIONS Results from this benchmark case demonstrate that inaccurate PCM delineation existed, even with protocol guidelines. This did not impact on delivered dose to this structure with Do-IMRT, or on estimated swallowing toxicity, in this single benchmark case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Petkar
- Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dualta McQuaid
- Joint Department of Physics, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Dunlop
- Joint Department of Physics, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justine Tyler
- Department of Physics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Hall
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Nutting
- Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Baijens LWJ, Walshe M, Aaltonen LM, Arens C, Cordier R, Cras P, Crevier-Buchman L, Curtis C, Golusinski W, Govender R, Eriksen JG, Hansen K, Heathcote K, Hess MM, Hosal S, Klussmann JP, Leemans CR, MacCarthy D, Manduchi B, Marie JP, Nouraei R, Parkes C, Pflug C, Pilz W, Regan J, Rommel N, Schindler A, Schols AMWJ, Speyer R, Succo G, Wessel I, Willemsen ACH, Yilmaz T, Clavé P. European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 278:577-616. [PMID: 33341909 PMCID: PMC7826315 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. METHODS Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. RESULTS Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. CONCLUSION This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura W J Baijens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Margaret Walshe
- Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leena-Maija Aaltonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christoph Arens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Reinie Cordier
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Patrick Cras
- Department of Neurology, Born Bunge Institute, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lise Crevier-Buchman
- Voice, Speech, Swallowing Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital UVSQ and Research lab CNRS-UMR7018, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Chris Curtis
- Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Charity, Blackpool, UK
| | - Wojciech Golusinski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Roganie Govender
- Head and Neck Cancer Centre, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kevin Hansen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kate Heathcote
- Robert White Centre for Airway, Voice and Swallow, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset, UK
| | - Markus M Hess
- Deutsche Stimmklinik, Hamburg, Germany
- Departement of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sefik Hosal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Medicana International Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jens Peter Klussmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C René Leemans
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise MacCarthy
- Division of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Beatrice Manduchi
- Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean-Paul Marie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Reza Nouraei
- Department of Ear Nose and Throat Surgery, The Robert White Centre for Airway Voice and Swallowing, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Claire Parkes
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Pflug
- Departement of Voice, Speech and Hearing Disorders, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Walmari Pilz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- MHeNs School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Regan
- Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nathalie Rommel
- Department Neurosciences, Experimental Otorhinolaryngology, Deglutology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonio Schindler
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annemie M W J Schols
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Renee Speyer
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giovanni Succo
- Head and Neck Oncology Service, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Irene Wessel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna C H Willemsen
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Taner Yilmaz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pere Clavé
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Hosni A, Huang SH, Xu W, Su J, Watson E, Glogauer M, Bayley A, Bratman SV, Cho J, Giuliani M, Hope A, Kim J, O'Sullivan B, Ringash J, Spreafico A, Goldstein DP, Waldron J, de Almeida JR. Healthcare resource utilization following unilateral versus bilateral radiation therapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2020; 156:95-101. [PMID: 33264637 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.11.028] [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: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe differences in healthcare resource utilization between patients treated with bilateral vs. unilateral neck radiation therapy (RT) for lateralized oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS A propensity score matching strategy was used to identify two otherwise clinically similar cohorts of tonsillar cancer patients treated with either bilateral or unilateral neck RT. Cohorts were matched based on similar propensity scores for age, sex, ECOG performance status, pack-year smoking history, cT-category, cN-category, HPV-status, and use of concurrent chemotherapy. Short term (from start of RT to 3 months following end of RT) resource utilization included: 1) outpatient supportive care visits, 2) hospital admission, and 3) interventions (feeding tube insertion and outpatient intravenous hydration). Long-term resource utilization included feeding tube dependency at 1-year. RESULTS Among 559 patients with tonsillar cancer treated between 2004-2017, propensity score matching identified a unilateral neck RT cohort (n = 81) and bilateral neck RT cohort (n = 81) with similar clinical and treatment characteristics. Bilateral neck RT was associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalization (33% vs 12%, p < 0.01), outpatient IV hydration (33% vs 17%, p = 0.03), and feeding tube insertion (33% vs 10%, p < 0.001); a greater number of total days of hospitalization (110 vs 47 days, p < 0.01) and outpatient IV hydration (135 vs 72 days, p = 0.02); and higher total number of supportive clinic visits (1226 vs 1053 days, p = 0.04). In the long-term, bilateral RT was associated with higher rate of feeding tube dependency at 1-year (7% vs 0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Bilateral RT for tonsillar cancer resulted in significant increase in health resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hosni
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Shao Hui Huang
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Erin Watson
- Department of Dental Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre / University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Glogauer
- Department of Dental Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre / University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Bayley
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Scott V Bratman
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - John Cho
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Hope
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - John Kim
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian O'Sullivan
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Jolie Ringash
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
| | - David P Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
| | - John Waldron
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - John R de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Canada
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12
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Applebaum J, Lee E, Harun A, Davis A, Hillel AT, Best SR, Akst LM. Characterization of Geriatric Dysphagia Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts. OTO Open 2020; 4:2473974X20939543. [PMID: 32685871 PMCID: PMC7346702 DOI: 10.1177/2473974x20939543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An aging population requires increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Patients aged ≥65 years are not a homogenous population, and important physiologic differences have been documented among the young-old (65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). We aim to analyze differences in dysphagia diagnoses and swallowing-related quality-of-life among these age subgroups. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING Tertiary care laryngology clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We identified chief complaint, diagnosis, and self-reported swallowing handicap (Eating Assessment Tool [EAT-10] score) of all new patients aged ≥65 years presenting to the Johns Hopkins Voice Center between April 2015 and March 2017. Dysphagia diagnoses were classified by physiologic etiology and anatomic source. Diagnostic categories and EAT-10 score were evaluated as functions of patient age and sex. RESULTS Of 839 new patients aged ≥65 years, 109 (13.0%) reported a chief complaint of dysphagia and were included in this study. The most common dysphagia etiologies were neurologic and esophageal. Most common diagnoses were diverticula (15.6%), reflux (13.8%), and radiation induced (8.3%). Diverticula, cricopharyngeal hypertonicity, and radiation-induced changes were associated with higher EAT-10 score (P < .001). Significant differences by sex were found in anatomic source of dysphagia, as men and women were more likely to present with oropharyngeal and esophageal disease, respectively (P = .023). Dysphagia etiology and EAT-10 score were similar across age subgroups. CONCLUSION Important differences among dysphagia diagnosis and EAT-10 score exist among patients aged ≥65 years. Knowledge of these differences may inform diagnostic workup, management, and further investigations in geriatric otolaryngology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Applebaum
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emerson Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aisha Harun
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley Davis
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexander T. Hillel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Simon R. Best
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lee M. Akst
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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13
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Schreiber AM, Dawson C, Skoretz SA. Late Dysphagia Following Radiotherapy After Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Series. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 29:319-326. [PMID: 31805250 DOI: 10.1044/2019_ajslp-19-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Standard treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is radiation therapy (RT); however, long-term effects of RT frequently include significant swallowing impairments (dysphagia; Gaziano, 2002; Hui, Chan, & Le, 2018). Our objective was to describe swallowing physiology in consecutive outpatients with a history of NPC following RT using standardized methods. Understanding dysphagia characteristics in this patient population could ultimately inform rehabilitation strategies and improve patient outcomes. Method We conducted a retrospective, observational, descriptive study of consecutive outpatients undergoing videofluoroscopic swallowing (VFS) exams at our clinic, from 2009 to 2014. We included those with a diagnosis of NPC treated with RT. Those with other cancer diagnoses; previous tracheostomy; acute neurological injury; and progressive, degenerative neurological conditions were excluded. Two registered MBSImP clinicians, blinded to each other, reviewed and scored the VFS exams according to previously published methods (Martin-Harris et al., 2008). Following unblinding, a single reviewer collected demographic data from the electronic medical record. We reported overall impairment and MBSImP component scores descriptively. Results Of 158 outpatients undergoing VFS, 6 (N) met our inclusion criteria. The median time from completion of RT to outpatient VFS was 21.0 years. Patients reported a variety of dysphagia symptoms. All patients had high oral and pharyngeal residue scores (scores ≥ 2) and high impairment scores on components contributing to bolus transport and airway closure. Conclusions All patients presented with impairments in oral-pharyngeal bolus transport and airway protection. Our results identify specific swallowing impairments for this patient group highlighting possible latent RT effects on swallowing. This population would benefit from dysphagia rehabilitation and maintenance programs informed by multimodal diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Schreiber
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Richmond Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Camilla Dawson
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stacey A Skoretz
- School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Palma DA, Mitchell S, Nichols A. Sparing of swallowing-related organs in radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma-Authors' reply. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:e612. [PMID: 31674316 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Palma
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada.
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15
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Hedström J, Tuomi L, Finizia C, Olsson C. Identifying organs at risk for radiation-induced late dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2019; 19:87-95. [PMID: 31646203 PMCID: PMC6804434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Dysphagia is a common, severe and dose-limiting toxicity after oncological treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aims to investigate relationships between radiation doses to structures involved in normal swallowing and patient-reported as well as clinically measured swallowing function in HNC patients after curative (chemo-) radiation therapy (RT) with focus on late effects. Materials and methods Patients (n = 90) with HNC curatively treated with RT ± chemotherapy in 2007-2015 were assessed for dysphagia post-treatment by telephone interview and videofluoroscopy (VFS). A study-specific symptom score was used to determine patient-reported dysphagia. The Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was applied to determine swallowing function by VFS (PAS ≥ 4/ ≥ 6 = moderate/severe dysphagia). Thirteen anatomical structures involved in normal swallowing were individually delineated on the patients' original planning CT scans and associated dose-volume histograms (DVHs) retrieved. Relationships between structure doses and late toxicity were investigated through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis (UVA/MVA) accounting for effects by relevant clinical factors. Results Median assessment time was 7 months post-RT (range: 5-34 months). Mean dose to the contralateral parotid gland and supraglottic larynx as well as maximum dose to the contralateral anterior digastric muscle predicted patient-reported dysphagia (AUC = 0.64-0.67). Mean dose to the pharyngeal constrictor muscle, the larynx, the supraglottic larynx and the epiglottis, as well as maximum dose to the contralateral submandibular gland predicted moderate and severe dysphagia by VFS (AUC = 0.71-0.80). Conclusion The patients in this cohort were consecutively identified pre-treatment, and were structurally approached and assessed for dysphagia after treatment at a specific time point. In addition to established dysphagia organs-at-risk (OARs), our data suggest that epiglottic and submandibular gland doses are important for swallowing function post-RT. Keeping DVH thresholds below V60 = 60% and V60 = 17%, respectively, may increase chances to reduce occurrence of severe late dysphagia. The results need to be externally validated in future studies.
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Key Words
- 3D-CRT, Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy
- AAA, Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm
- ACE-27, Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27
- AUC, area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve
- BMI, body mass index
- CI, confidence interval
- CT, computed tomography
- Cc, cubic centimeter
- DARS, dysphagia-aspiration-related structures
- DESdC, Drinking, Eating, Swallowing difficulties and Coughing when eating/drinking
- DVH, dose-volume histogram
- Deglutition disorders
- Dysphagia-aspiration-related structures
- EBRT, external beam radiation therapy
- EQD2, equivalent dose in 2Gy fractions
- Gy, Gray
- HNC, head and neck cancer
- Head and neck neoplasms
- ICRU, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements
- IMRT, intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- MVA, multivariable logistic regression
- N.A, non applicable
- OAR, organ-at-risk
- OR, odds ratio
- PAS, penetration-aspiration scale
- PCM, pharyngeal constrictor muscle
- PRO, patient-reported outcome
- QoL, quality of life
- ROC, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve
- RT, radiation therapy
- Radiation dose
- Radiation therapy
- SD, standard deviation
- SEM, standard error of the mean
- SLP, speech-language pathologist
- TNM, Tumor location, Nodular engagement, Metastasis
- UES, upper esophageal sphincter
- UVA, univariable logistic regression
- VFS, videofluoroscopy
- VMAT, volumetric-modulated radiation therapy
- Vx, the volume (%) of a structure receiving ≥xGy.
- ρ, Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hedström
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Area 2, 416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Tuomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Olsson
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy Gothenburg University, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Regional Cancer Center West, the Western Sweden Healthcare Region, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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Beddok A, Vela A, Calugaru V, Tessonnier T, Kubes J, Dutheil P, Gérard A, Vidal M, Goudjil F, Florescu C, Kammerer E, Bénézery K, Hérault J, Bourhis J, Thariat J. [Proton therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: From physics to clinic]. Cancer Radiother 2019; 23:439-448. [PMID: 31358445 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is presently the recommended technique for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck carcinomas. Proton therapy would allow to reduce the volume of irradiated normal tissue and, thus, to decrease the risk of late dysphagia, xerostomia, dysgeusia and hypothyroidism. An exhaustive research was performed with the search engine PubMed by focusing on the papers about the physical difficulties that slow down use of proton therapy for head and neck carcinomas. Range uncertainties in proton therapy (±3 %) paradoxically limit the use of the steep dose gradient in distality. Calibration uncertainties can be important in the treatment of head and neck cancer in the presence of materials of uncertain stoichiometric composition (such as with metal implants, dental filling, etc.) and complex heterogeneities. Dental management for example may be different with IMRT or proton therapy. Some uncertainties can be somewhat minimized at the time of optimization. Inter- and intrafractional variations and uncertainties in Hounsfield units/stopping power can be integrated in a robust optimization process. Additional changes in patient's anatomy (tumour shrinkage, changes in skin folds in the beam patch, large weight loss or gain) require rescanning. Dosimetric and small clinical studies comparing photon and proton therapy have well shown the interest of proton therapy for head and neck cancers. Intensity-modulated proton therapy is a promising treatment as it can reduce the substantial toxicity burden of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma compared to IMRT. Robust optimization will allow to perform an optimal treatment and to use proton therapy in current clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Beddok
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, institut Curie, 25, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - A Vela
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - V Calugaru
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, institut Curie, 25, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - T Tessonnier
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - J Kubes
- Proton Therapy Centre Czech, Prague, République tchèque
| | - P Dutheil
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - A Gérard
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, 33, avenue Valombrose, 06000 Nice, France
| | - M Vidal
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, 33, avenue Valombrose, 06000 Nice, France
| | - F Goudjil
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, institut Curie, 25, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - C Florescu
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - E Kammerer
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - K Bénézery
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, 33, avenue Valombrose, 06000 Nice, France
| | - J Hérault
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, 33, avenue Valombrose, 06000 Nice, France
| | - J Bourhis
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne, Suisse
| | - J Thariat
- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Advanced Resource Centre for Hadrontherapy in Europe (Archade), 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Laboratoire de physique corpusculaire IN2P3/Ensicaen - UMR6534, Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France.
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- Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, institut Curie, 25, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre François-Baclesse, Caen, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France; Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France; Proton Therapy Centre Czech, Prague, République tchèque; Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, 33, avenue Valombrose, 06000 Nice, France; Département d'oncologie-radiothérapie, centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne, Suisse; Laboratoire de physique corpusculaire IN2P3/Ensicaen - UMR6534, Unicaen - Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France
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Pacelli R, Caroprese M, Palma G, Oliviero C, Clemente S, Cella L, Conson M. Technological evolution of radiation treatment: Implications for clinical applications. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:193-201. [PMID: 31395286 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The contemporary approach to the management of a cancer patient requires an "ab initio" involvement of different medical domains in order to correctly design an individual patient's pathway toward cure. With new therapeutic tools in every medical field developing faster than ever before the patient care outcomes can be achieved if all surgical, drug, and radiation options are considered in the design of the appropriate therapeutic strategy for a given patient. Radiation therapy (RT) is a clinical discipline in which experts from different fields continuously interact in order to manage the multistep process of the radiation treatment. RT is found to be an appropriate intervention for diverse indications in about 50% of cancer patients during the course of their disease. Technologies are essential in dealing with the complexity of RT treatments and for driving the increasingly sophisticated RT approaches becoming available for the treatment of Cancer. High conformal techniques, namely intensity modulated or volumetric modulated arc techniques, ablative techniques (Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery), particle therapy (proton or carbon ion therapy) allow for success in treating irregularly shaped or critically located targets and for the sharpness of the dose fall-off outside the target. The advanced on-board imaging, including real-time position management systems, makes possible image-guided radiation treatment that results in substantial margin reduction and, in select cases, implementation of an adaptive approach. The therapeutic gains of modern RT are also due in part to the enhanced anticancer activity obtained by coadministering RT with chemotherapy, targeted molecules, and currently immune checkpoints inhibitors. These main clinically relevant steps forward in Radiation Oncology represent a change of gear in the field that may have a profound impact on the management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pacelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mara Caroprese
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Cella
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Napoli, Italy
| | - Manuel Conson
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
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18
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Alterio D, Marvaso G, Ferrari A, Volpe S, Orecchia R, Jereczek-Fossa BA. Modern radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:233-245. [PMID: 31378376 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) plays a key role in curative-intent treatments for head and neck cancers. Its use is indicated as a sole therapy in early stage tumors or in combination with surgery or concurrent chemotherapy in advanced stages. Recent technologic advances have resulted in both improved oncologic results and expansion of the indications for RT in clinical practice. Despite this, RT administered to the head and neck region is still burdened by a high rate of acute and late side effects. Moreover, about 50% of patients with high-risk disease experience loco-regional recurrence within 3 years of follow-up. Therefore, in recent decades, efforts have been dedicated to optimize the cost/benefit ratio of RT in this subset of patients. The aim of the present review was to highlight modern concepts of RT for head and neck cancers considering both the technological advances that have been achieved and recent knowledge that has informed the biological interaction between radiation and both tumor and healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alterio
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marvaso
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Ferrari
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Volpe
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Alicja Jereczek-Fossa
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Tsai CJ, Jackson A, Setton J, Riaz N, McBride S, Leeman J, Kowalski A, Happersett L, Lee NY. Modeling Dose Response for Late Dysphagia in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer in the Modern Era of Definitive Chemoradiation. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2019; 1:1-7. [PMID: 30657398 DOI: 10.1200/cci.17.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop personalized multivariate dose-response models for late dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer treated in the modern era of combined chemotherapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS The analysis included 424 patients (oropharyngeal cancer [n = 295] and nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer [n = 129]) who received definitive chemoradiation between January 2004 and April 2009. The superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles were contoured. We calculated generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) for each and the total constrictor muscle volume, with the volume effect parameter a varying from log10 a = -1 to +1 in steps of 0.1. We used the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0) to grade late dysphagia and logistic regression to evaluate the correlation of gEUD( a) with grade 2 or higher (≥ G2) and grade 3 or higher (≥ G3) late dysphagia at each value of a. RESULTS Median follow-up was 33.3 months (range, 6 to 69 months). There were 41 cases (10%) of ≥ G2 dysphagia and 22 cases (5%) of ≥ G3 dysphagia. Mean doses to the total constrictor ranged from 30.1 to 85.7 Gy (median, 61.2 Gy). The predicted rate of ≥ G2 dysphagia increased by approximately 3.4% per Gy at the mean dose, for which the probability of ≥ G2 dysphagia is 50%. The threshold mean total constrictor doses that limited rates of ≥ G2 and ≥ G3 dysphagia to < 5% were < 58 Gy and < 61 Gy, respectively. Other significant factors in the multivariate predictive model included disease site, mean dose to total constrictor muscle, and patient age. CONCLUSION Incidences of both ≥ G2 and ≥ G3 dysphagia were dependent on the mean radiation dose to the total constrictor muscle volume, disease site, and patient age. Limiting the total volume of constrictor muscle to < 58 Gy could keep the predicted rate of ≥ G2 dysphagia to < 5%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Jackson
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jeremy Setton
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Sean McBride
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jonathan Leeman
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Alex Kowalski
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Laura Happersett
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nancy Y Lee
- All authors: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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20
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The experiences of people who receive swallow therapy after surgical treatment of head and neck cancer. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2019; 128:456-463. [PMID: 31227448 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research was initiated to explore the experiences and important elements of swallow therapy in patients after surgery for treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). STUDY DESIGN One-to-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients with HNC 7 to 14 days after oral reconstructive surgery (free, pedicled, or bony flap). Analysis was conducted by using interpretive phenomenology. RESULTS Analysis of interviews from 15 patients identified 2 overarching themes: "I never dreamt" and "They look at you, and they speak to you." There was no way for patients to be adequately prepared for the enormity of the surgery and its consequences; however, the way health care professionals interacted and communicated with the person, rather than the altered and disfigured self, was healing and therapeutic. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for novel ways to prepare patients for HNC surgery and to support them in recovery, including ways to connect and help patients feel human again.
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21
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Perspectives on optimizing radiotherapy dose to the dysphagia/aspiration-related structures for patients with head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 27:157-161. [PMID: 30893132 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this study is to provide an overview on the methodologies, outcomes and clinical implications of studies that have investigated swallowing outcomes after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment when reducing radiotherapy dose to specific dysphagia/aspiration-related structures (DARS). RECENT FINDINGS Overall, there is limited recent evidence, with a lack of high-quality studies, which examine the outcomes of DARS-optimized radiotherapy treatment. Large variations exist in the methodology of these studies in regards to which DARS are delineated and how swallowing outcomes are measured. Consequently, there is a wide range of dose limits recommended to a variety of DARS structures. Despite these limitations, there appears to be a general consensus that optimizing dose to the DARS will result in some reduction of dysphagia after radiotherapy without compromising on treatment to the tumour. SUMMARY More rigorous study must be completed to determine the true extent of clinical benefit from this practice. Institutions must take into consideration the limitations of the evidence as well as logistical costs of implementing this technique into practice. However, optimizing dose to the DARS appears to be a well-tolerated practice that may have substantial positive benefits for patients' swallowing function and quality of life after HNC treatment.
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22
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Barnhart MK, Cartmill B, Ward EC, Brown E, Sim J, Saade G, Rayner S, Robinson RA, Simms VA, Smee RI. Optimising Radiation Therapy Dose to the Swallowing Organs at Risk: An In Silico Study of feasibility for Patients with Oropharyngeal Tumours. Dysphagia 2019; 34:869-878. [PMID: 30741335 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-09983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that reducing radiotherapy dose delivered to specific anatomical swallowing structures [Swallowing Organs at Risk (SWOARs)] may improve swallowing outcomes post-treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. However, for those patients with tumours of the oropharynx, which typically directly overlap the SWOARs, reducing dose to these structures may be unachievable without compromising on the treatment of the disease. To assess the feasibility of dose reduction in this cohort, standard IMRT plans (ST-IMRT) and plans with reduced dose to the SWOARs (SW-IMRT) were generated for 25 oropharyngeal cancer patients (Brouwer et al. in Radiother Oncol 117(1):83-90, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2015.07.041 , 2015; Christianen et al. in Radiother Oncol 101(3):394-402, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2011.05.015 , 2011). ST-IMRT and SW-IMRT plans were compared for: mean dose to the SWOARs, volume of pharynx and larynx receiving 50 Gy and 60 Gy (V50 and V60 respectively) and overlap between the tumour volume and the SWOARs. Additionally, two different SWOARs delineation guidelines (Brouwer et al. in Radiother Oncol 117(1):83-90, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2015.07.041 , 2015; Christianen et al. in Radiother Oncol 101(3):394-402, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2011.05.015 , 2011) were used to highlight differences in calculated volumes between existing contouring guidelines. Agreement in SWOARs volumes between the two guidelines was calculated using a concordance index (CI). Despite a large overlap between the tumour and SWOARs, significant (p < 0.05) reductions in mean dose to 4 of the 5 SWOARs, and V50/V60 for the pharynx and larynx were achieved with SW-IMRT plans. Low CIs per structure (0.15-0.45) were found between the two guidelines highlighting issues comparing data between studies when different guidelines have been used (Hawkins et al. in Semin Radiat Oncol 28(1):46-52, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.08.002 , 2018; Brodin et al. in Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 100(2):391-407, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.09.041 , 2018). This study found reducing dose to the SWOARs is a feasible practice for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. However, future prospective research is needed to determine if the extent of dose reduction achieved equates to clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly K Barnhart
- Speech Pathology Department, Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH), Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia. .,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Bena Cartmill
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Buranda, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Speech Pathology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Buranda, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Brown
- Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jonathon Sim
- Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, POWH, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - George Saade
- Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, POWH, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Sandra Rayner
- Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, POWH, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Rachelle A Robinson
- Speech Pathology Department, Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH), Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Virginia A Simms
- Speech Pathology Department, Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH), Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Robert I Smee
- Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, POWH, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,The Clinical Teaching School, University New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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23
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Charters EK, Bogaardt H, Freeman-Sanderson AL, Ballard KJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of dosimetry to dysphagia and aspiration related structures. Head Neck 2019; 41:1984-1998. [PMID: 30680831 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advances in radiotherapy have allowed investigations into new methods to spare healthy tissue in those treated for head and neck cancer. This systematic review with meta-analysis demonstrates the effect that radiation has on swallowing. METHODS Selection and analysis of studies examining the effect of radiation to swallowing structures. A fixed effects meta-analysis calculated the pooled proportions for select outcomes of dysphagia, common across many studies. RESULTS The majority of the papers found a correlation between radiation dose to the swallowing structures and dysphagia, however a meta-analysis found the studies carried a significant degree of heterogeneity. The appraisal demonstrates the need for large-scale studies using a randomized design and instrumental dysphagia assessments. CONCLUSIONS Radiation dose to dysphagia and aspiration structures is correlated with incidence of dysphagia and aspiration. The variables in this population contribute to the heterogeneity within and cross studies and future studies should consider controlling for this.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans Bogaardt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Kirrie J Ballard
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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24
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Radiothérapie guidée par l’image des cancers ORL. Cancer Radiother 2018; 22:617-621. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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25
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Long term patient reported swallowing function following chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2018; 128:452-458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Martin A, Murray L, Sethugavalar B, Buchan C, Williams GF, Sen M, Prestwich RJD. Changes in Patient-reported Swallow Function in the Long Term After Chemoradiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2018; 30:756-763. [PMID: 30025978 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess long-term patient-reported swallow function after chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma and to evaluate the frequency of deterioration/improvement over years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-nine patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy between 2010 and 2012 had previously completed the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at a median of 34 months (range 24-59) after treatment. An MDADI was posted to 55 alive and disease-free patients after a 30 month interval; 52/55 replies were received, a median of 64 months (range 52-88) after treatment; 27/52 (52%) had been managed with a prophylactic gastrostomy. A 10 point or greater change in the MDADI scores was defined as clinically significant. RESULTS Overall, in the whole cohort, patient-reported swallow function showed a small absolute improvement in MDADI composite score on the second MDADI questionnaire (>5 years after treatment) compared with the first MDADI (>2 years after treatment); mean 68.0 (standard deviation 19.3) versus 64.0 (standard deviation 16.3), P = 0.021. Using the composite score, swallow function was stable over time in 29/52 (56%) patients; a clinically significant improvement in swallow function over time was noted in 17/52 (33%) patients; conversely 6/52 (12%) patients experienced a clinically significant deterioration with time. Abnormality of pre-treatment diet and a prophylactic gastrostomy correlated with an inferior MDADI composite score on the later questionnaire (P = 0.029 and P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Long-term dysphagia is prevalent >5 years after treatment. Although long-term swallow function is stable in most patients, it is not static in a minority. On MDADI composite summary scores, 33% of patients experienced an improvement, whereas 12% deteriorated with time. Further investigation is needed to determine underlying mechanisms behind these divergent outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - L Murray
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - B Sethugavalar
- Department of Radiotherapy, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - C Buchan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - G F Williams
- Dietetic Department, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - M Sen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - R J D Prestwich
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, UK.
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27
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Carmignani I, Locatello LG, Desideri I, Bonomo P, Olmetto E, Livi L, Le Saec O, Coscarelli S, Mannelli G. Analysis of dysphagia in advanced-stage head-and-neck cancer patients: impact on quality of life and development of a preventive swallowing treatment. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 275:2159-2167. [PMID: 29978259 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-018-5054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Swallowing and voice dysfunctions are common side effects following head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. Our aim was to analyze the relationships between quality of life, swallowing, and phonatory problems in patients with an advanced-stage HNSCC and to prospectively evaluate the effects of a prophylactic swallowing program. METHODS First, we retrospectively studied 60 advanced HNSCC patients treated with exclusive or adjuvant radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT). Subjects were classified according to general and clinical-therapeutic features. Outcome measures included EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35, Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), M.D.Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Then, we conducted a prospective evaluation of a prophylactic swallowing counselling in 12 consecutive advanced-stage HNSCC patients by a two-arm case-control analysis. These patients were treated with exclusive or adjuvant RT/CRT. RESULTS 71% of the retrospective population studied reported swallowing dysfunction as a major side effect. No differences were detected in the severity of dysphagia or dysphonia according to type of treatment or staging of the primary tumour, while hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients showed significantly better swallowing ability and better QoL compared to oral cavity and oropharyngeal localisation (p < 0.05). In addition, a relevant correlation between swallowing and voice problems emerged (p < 0.05). In the prospective part, while no statistical correlation was evident before the start of RT/CRT in the experimental group compared to the control one, the former showed better performances at MDADI (p = 0.006) and DHI (p = 0.002) test 3 months after its end. CONCLUSION Dysphagia is both an acute-and-long-term side effect which greatly affects QoL of HNSCC patients undergoing multimodality treatment. Our data show that a prophylactic swallowing program could actually produce a beneficial effect on patients' outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1b and 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Carmignani
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, AOU-Careggi, Via Largo Palagi 1, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanni Locatello
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, AOU-Careggi, Via Largo Palagi 1, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Isacco Desideri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bonomo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Olmetto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Livi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Odile Le Saec
- Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Giuditta Mannelli
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, AOU-Careggi, Via Largo Palagi 1, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Cristaudo A, Hickman M, Fong C, Sanghera P, Hartley A. Assessing Novel Drugs and Radiation Technology in the Chemoradiation of Oropharyngeal Cancer. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E65. [PMID: 29954154 PMCID: PMC6163293 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5030065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Integrating immunotherapy, proton therapy and biological dose escalation into the definitive chemoradiation of oropharyngeal cancer poses several challenges. Reliable and reproducible data must be obtained in a timely fashion. However, despite recent international radiotherapy contouring guidelines, controversy persists as to the applicability of such guidelines to all cases. Similarly, a lack of consensus exists concerning both the definition of the organ at risk for oral mucositis and the most appropriate endpoint to measure for this critical toxicity. Finally, the correlation between early markers of efficacy such as complete response on PET CT following treatment and subsequent survival needs elucidation for biological subsets of oropharyngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Cristaudo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa PI, Italy.
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
| | - Mitchell Hickman
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
| | - Charles Fong
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
| | - Paul Sanghera
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
| | - Andrew Hartley
- Hall-Edwards Radiotherapy Research Group, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
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