Patient-reported outcomes following parotid-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. How important is dysphagia?

Transoral laser microsurgery for supraglottic carcinomas: results of a prospective multicenter trial (SUPRATOL)

Background

A limited number of single institutions have published retrospective cohort studies on transoral laser microsurgery for supraglottic laryngectomy (TLM-SGL). These studies have shown that the oncologic outcomes of TLM-SGL are comparable to those of open SGL. However, there is limited information available regarding swallowing rehabilitation and quality of life (QoL).

Patients and methods

SUPRATOL is a prospective, multicenter trial assessing the functional outcomes of TLM-SGL +/- adjuvant radio-(chemo)-therapy. The primary endpoint was aspiration-free swallowing at 12 months, as established using fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and defined as a grade < 6 on the penetration-aspiration scale. Secondary endpoints were swallowing- and voice-related QoL, the prevalence of temporary and permanent tracheostomy and percutaneous gastrostomy, local control, laryngectomy-free survival, overall survival, and disease-free survival, as well as the influence of treatment centers on outcomes.

Results

From April 2015 to February 2018, 102 patients were recruited from 26 German Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) hospitals. All patients had TLM-SGL and 96.1% underwent uni- or bilateral, mostly selective neck dissection. To 47.0% of patients, adjuvant radio-(chemo)-therapy (R(C)T) was administered. The median follow-up period was 24.1 months. At 12-month follow-up, completed by 84.3% of patients, 98.2%, 95.5%, and 98.8% were free of aspiration when tested with saliva, liquid, or pulp. Adjuvant R(C)T, pT category, and type of resection had no significant influence on swallowing rehabilitation. A total of 40.2% of patients had been tracheotomized, and in 46.1% of patients, a PEG tube was inserted. At the 24-month follow-up, 5.3% of patients still required a tracheostomy, and 8.0% continued to use a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Deterioration of swallowing- and voice-related QoL was observed immediately after treatment, but patients recovered, and baseline values were reached again. The Kaplan-Meier 2-year rates for local control, laryngectomy-free survival, overall survival, and disease-free survival were 88%, 92%, 93%, and 82%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our prospective multicenter trial shows that, at 12 months post-TLM-SGL +/- R(C)T, 95.5%-98.8% of patients achieved aspiration-free swallowing. Morbidity was higher than previously reported. The rates of permanent tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube placement correspond to previous cohort studies. The 2-year oncologic outcomes are within the reported range.

Clinical trial registration

https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00004641, identifier (DRKS00004641).

Impact of Radiation on Dysphagia-Related Structures: A Dosimetric and Clinical Comparative Analysis of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Techniques in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern in India, with around one million new cases annually. The prevalence of HNSCC is notably high in Asia, especially in India, due to habits like tobacco chewing, betel nut usage, and alcohol consumption. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biological therapy, aiming for tumor control while preserving function and quality of life. However, survivors often face long-term side effects like difficulty swallowing, leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has shown promise in improving outcomes by sparing critical swallowing structures. Efforts to minimize radiation-related dysphagia are crucial for enhancing patients' quality of life post-treatment. Our study focuses on examining dosimetric parameters associated with dysphagia aspiration, alongside evaluating dysphagia grades in both treatment groups using the RTOG scale. Material and methods Patients with histologically confirmed non-metastatic head and neck carcinomas were included in our study in November 2018-April 2020. A total of 56 patients were taken into our study with 28 in each arm. They underwent radical radiotherapy (RT) with a total dose of 66-70 Gy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, meeting specific inclusion criteria and excluding those receiving reirradiation or with distant metastasis. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and Group II received IMRT. Treatment planning involved immobilization, CT imaging, delineation of target volumes and organs at risk, and contouring of swallowing structures. Dose-volume histogram parameters (mean dose, maximum dose, V30, V70, V80, D50, and D80) were used to assess mean dose to swallowing structures outside the planning target volume (PTV), with a mean dose constraint of 50 Gy. Dysphagia was evaluated using the RTOG criteria at baseline, during treatment, and six months post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results In our study, the mean age at presentation differed slightly between the IMRT and 3D-CRT arms: 58 years versus 55 years, respectively. A higher proportion of patients in both arms experienced symptoms for three to six months, with 53.6% in 3D-CRT and 42.9% in IMRT. Stage distribution varied, with IV being most common in 3D-CRT and stage II in IMRT. Approximately 56% of patients in both groups had a history of smoking. Significant differences were observed in spinal cord dose between 3DCRT and IMRT techniques (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was found in the mean dose received by dysphagia aspiration-related structures (DARSs) between the 3D-CRT and IMRT arms (p = 0.04). Patients in the IMRT arm exhibited superior dysphagia grades compared to those in the 3D-CRT arm, with statistical significance observed in the third month (p = 0.008) and sixth month (p = 0.048). Conclusion Our study found a notable decrease in the mean DARS dose and reduced dysphagia severity at three and six months in the IMRT group compared to the 3D-CRT group. However, due to the diverse study population, establishing a definitive correlation between the DARS dose and dysphagia severity was challenging. Future large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings for improved preservation of DARS structures.

Effectiveness of an evidence-based swallowing facilitation strategy for patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Dysphagia emerges as a frequent, persistent and enduring aftermath in individuals undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). Timely intervention becomes imperative to ameliorate prolonged dysphagia and curtail related complications. Among the evidence-grounded tactics, preventive swallowing training and proficient feeding management stand out as pivotal measures for precluding and mitigating dysphagia. However, past inquiries that amalgamated these dual interventions exhibited heterogeneous quality due to their restricted participant cohorts and a dearth of uniform, systematic and practicable procedural benchmarks.

METHOD/DESIGN

This randomised, parallel-controlled study enrols 94 patients diagnosed with HNC, who are undergoing radiotherapy either with or without concurrent chemotherapy. The patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will receive a facilitation strategy to enhance swallowing function in conjunction with standard care, or the control group, which will receive typical radiotherapy care. Patient assessments will be conducted at three distinct time points: at the onset of radiotherapy (baseline), at the conclusion of radiotherapy and 3 months postradiotherapy. The primary outcome will revolve around measuring swallowing function, while secondary outcomes will encompass swallowing-related quality of life and nutritional status.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This research initiative received endorsement from the Shanghai Proton Heavy Ion Hospital Ethics Committee on 2 December 2 (Approval Number 2210-59-01). Throughout the recruitment process, patients will be acquainted with the primary aims and scope of the study. Their participation will be a voluntary choice, demonstrated by their informed consent form signatures. The outcomes of this study will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Trials.gov, ChiCTR2300067550, registered 11 January 2023.

Dysphagia at 1 Year is Associated With Mean Dose to the Inferior Section of the Brain Stem

PURPOSE

Dysphagia is a common toxicity after head and neck (HN) radiation therapy that negatively affects quality of life. We explored the relationship between radiation therapy dose to normal HN structures and dysphagia 1 year after treatment using image-based datamining (IBDM), a voxel-based analysis technique.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We used data from 104 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with definitive (chemo)radiation therapy. Swallow function was assessed pretreatment and 1 year posttreatment using 3 validated measures: MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), performance status scale for normalcy of diet (PSS-HN), and water swallowing test (WST). For IBDM, we spatially normalized all patients' planning dose matrices to 3 reference anatomies. Regions where the dose was associated with dysphagia measures at 1 year were found by performing voxel-wise statistics and permutation testing. Clinical factors, treatment variables, and pretreatment measures were used in multivariable analysis to predict each dysphagia measure at 1 year. Clinical baseline models were found using backward stepwise selection. Improvement in model discrimination after adding the mean dose to the identified region was quantified using the Akaike information criterion. We also compared the prediction performance of the identified region with a well-established association: mean doses to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles.

RESULTS

IBDM revealed highly significant associations between dose to distinct regions and the 3 outcomes. These regions overlapped around the inferior section of the brain stem. All clinical models were significantly improved by including mean dose to the overlap region (P ≤ .006). Including pharyngeal dosimetry significantly improved WST (P = .04) but not PSS-HN or MDADI (P ≥ .06).

CONCLUSIONS

In this hypothesis-generating study, we found that mean dose to the inferior section of the brain stem is strongly associated with dysphagia 1 year posttreatment. The identified region includes the swallowing centers in the medulla oblongata, providing a possible mechanistic explanation. Further work including validation in an independent cohort is required.

Decisional regret, symptom burden, and quality of life following transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has equivalent oncologic control to radiotherapy with potential for improved quality of life (QOL) and lower patient-reported decisional regret.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study between 2016 and 2021 of TORS patients with early-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who completed the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL). The median time from treatment to questionnaire completion was 1.8 years (IQR 1.4-3.3, range 1.0-5.6).

RESULTS

Of 65 patients, 84.6% expressed no or mild decisional regret. Regret was not associated with clinical parameters or adjuvant treatment but was correlated with MDADI (τavg = -0.23, p < 0.001) and UW-QOL (τavg = -0.27, p < 0.001). Worse MDADI was associated with older age and worse UW-QOL was associated with multi-site operation and shorter time to survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the TORS cohort expressed very limited decisional regret. DRS scores were unaffected by clinicodemographics or additional adjuvant therapies, but decision regret was correlated with worse QOL and worse swallowing.

Dysphagia-optimised intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus standard intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer (DARS): a phase 3, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Most newly diagnosed oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are treated with chemoradiotherapy with curative intent but at the consequence of adverse effects on quality of life. We aimed to investigate if dysphagia-optimised intensity-modulated radiotherapy (DO-IMRT) reduced radiation dose to the dysphagia and aspiration related structures and improved swallowing function compared with standard IMRT.

METHODS

DARS was a parallel-group, phase 3, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial done in 22 radiotherapy centres in Ireland and the UK. Participants were aged 18 years and older, had T1-4, N0-3, M0 oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, a WHO performance status of 0 or 1, and no pre-existing swallowing dysfunction. Participants were centrally randomly assigned (1:1) using a minimisation algorithm (balancing factors: centre, chemotherapy use, tumour type, American Joint Committee on Cancer tumour stage) to receive DO-IMRT or standard IMRT. Participants and speech language therapists were masked to treatment allocation. Radiotherapy was given in 30 fractions over 6 weeks. Dose was 65 Gy to primary and nodal tumour and 54 Gy to remaining pharyngeal subsite and nodal areas at risk of microscopic disease. For DO-IMRT, the volume of the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle or inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle lying outside the high-dose target volume had a mandatory 50 Gy mean dose constraint. The primary endpoint was MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) composite score 12 months after radiotherapy, analysed in the modified intention-to-treat population that included only patients who completed a 12-month assessment; safety was assessed in all randomly assigned patients who received at least one fraction of radiotherapy. The study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN25458988, and is complete.

FINDINGS

From June 24, 2016, to April 27, 2018, 118 patients were registered, 112 of whom were randomly assigned (56 to each treatment group). 22 (20%) participants were female and 90 (80%) were male; median age was 57 years (IQR 52-62). Median follow-up was 39·5 months (IQR 37·8-50·0). Patients in the DO-IMRT group had significantly higher MDADI composite scores at 12 months than patients in the standard IMRT group (mean score 77·7 [SD 16·1] vs 70·6 [17·3]; mean difference 7·2 [95% CI 0·4-13·9]; p=0·037). 25 serious adverse events (16 serious adverse events assessed as unrelated to study treatment [nine in the DO-IMRT group and seven in the standard IMRT group] and nine serious adverse reactions [two vs seven]) were reported in 23 patients. The most common grade 3-4 late adverse events were hearing impairment (nine [16%] of 55 in the DO-IMRT group vs seven [13%] of 55 in the standard IMRT group), dry mouth (three [5%] vs eight [15%]), and dysphagia (three [5%] vs eight [15%]). There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest that DO-IMRT improves patient-reported swallowing function compared with standard IMRT. DO-IMRT should be considered a new standard of care for patients receiving radiotherapy for pharyngeal cancers.

FUNDING

Cancer Research UK.

The Promise and Future of Radiomics for Personalized Radiotherapy Dosing and Adaptation

Quantitative image analysis, also known as radiomics, aims to analyze large-scale quantitative features extracted from acquired medical images using hand-crafted or machine-engineered feature extraction approaches. Radiomics has great potential for a variety of clinical applications in radiation oncology, an image-rich treatment modality that utilizes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) for treatment planning, dose calculation, and image guidance. A promising application of radiomics is in predicting treatment outcomes after radiotherapy such as local control and treatment-related toxicity using features extracted from pretreatment and on-treatment images. Based on these individualized predictions of treatment outcomes, radiotherapy dose can be sculpted to meet the specific needs and preferences of each patient. Radiomics can aid in tumor characterization for personalized targeting, especially for identifying high-risk regions within a tumor that cannot be easily discerned based on size or intensity alone. Radiomics-based treatment response prediction can aid in developing personalized fractionation and dose adjustments. In order to make radiomics models more applicable across different institutions with varying scanners and patient populations, further efforts are needed to harmonize and standardize the acquisition protocols by minimizing uncertainties within the imaging data.

Temporal Trends in Clinician-Assessed and Patient-Reported Swallowing Outcomes in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is a consequence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatments and often results in a devastating reduction in quality of life (QoL; Nguyen et al., 2005; Pauloski, 2008).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to report temporal trends in swallowing outcomes using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) and the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and to study the relationship between these two measures.

METHOD

This was a retrospective review of clinical data collected in January 2013 to December 2017 from a tertiary care center. MBSImP PI scores and MDADI composite scores were collected pretreatment and 1, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. Data were analyzed in aggregate and stratified by treatment modality. To address the primary objective, descriptive statistics were used. To address the secondary objective, four Spearman tests were run between MBSImP PI and MDADI composite scores.

RESULTS

A total of 123 OPSCC participants were included. With respect to trends, MBSImP PI scores worsened 1 month posttreatment and remained impaired at 6 and 12 months. For MDADI composite scores, patient reports worsened 1 month posttreatment and subsequently improved at 6 and 12 months. MBSImP PI and MDADI composite scores were weakly negatively correlated (i.e., in agreement) at the pre- and 12-month posttreatment appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

Swallowing outcomes in OPSCC patients have distinct yet predictable trends for both clinician-assessed and patient-reported swallowing outcomes during the first year following cancer treatment. However, unlike previous findings, these two types of measures were in agreement at the pretreatment and 12 months posttreatment appointments.

Adherence to swallowing recommendations during (chemo)radiotherapy in head and neck cancer survivors: a scoping review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is a paucity of knowledge regarding patient adherence to dysphagia recommendations. It is recognized that unique barriers and facilitators contribute to poor treatment adherence in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. This review aims to identify the key themes and knowledge gaps regarding adherence to swallowing recommendations in HNC survivors during (chemo)radiotherapy (C)RT.

RECENT FINDINGS

Seven studies were identified. Six facilitators to adherence were extracted, namely pain relief, behavioural intervention, attendance at multidisciplinary clinic, individualised swallowing therapy, absence of prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG) and positive social control from a spouse. Barriers to adherence included pain, depression and presence of prophylactic PEG. Adherence to swallowing recommendations positively impacted swallowing outcomes in one study.

SUMMARY

Little is known about adherence to swallowing recommendations during (C)RT in HNC survivors. Capturing adherence is challenging. Several knowledge gaps were identified. Further research is needed to better understand the barriers and facilitators from the survivors' perspective. This will inform development of best practice regarding how swallowing recommendations are provided to promote adherence and improve outcomes.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Swallowing (SWOARs)-Sparing IMRT in Head and Neck Cancers: Primary Results from a Prospective Study Endorsed by the Head and Neck Study Group (HNSG) of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively investigate changes in M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) scores in patients affected by naso- and oropharynx cancer after definitive radiochemotherapy (ChemoRT) using swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs)-sparing IMRT.

METHODS

MDADI questionnaires were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. MDADI scores were categorized as follows: ≥ 80 "optimal," 80-60 "adequate," < 60 "poor" deglutition-related quality of life (QoL) group, and dichotomized as "optimal" vs "adequate/poor" for the analysis. A mean MDADI composite (MDADI-C) change of 10 points was considered as minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were enrolled of which 47 were considered for the analysis. At baseline, 26 (55%) were "optimal" and 21 (45%) were "adequate/poor." The mean baseline MDADI-C score was 93.6 dropping to 81 at 6 months (p = 0.013) and slightly rising to 85.5 at 12 months (p = 0.321) for the "optimal" group. Indeed, the mean baseline MDADI-C score was 64.3 rising to 77.5 at 6 months (p = 0.006) and stabilizing at 76 at 12 months (p = 0.999) for the "adequate/poor" group. A statistically significant but not clinically relevant worsening of the MDADI-C score was reported for the "optimal" group, whereas both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of the MDADI-C score were reported for the "adequate/poor" group from before to post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a doubly clinical benefit of dose optimization to SWOARs to minimize the RT sequalae in patients with a baseline "optimal" deglutition-related QoL and to recover from cancer dysphagia in those with a baseline "adequate/poor" deglutition-related QoL.

TORPEdO: A phase III trial of intensity-modulated proton beam therapy versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy for multi-toxicity reduction in oropharyngeal cancer

•There is a lack of prospective level I evidence for the use of PBT for most adult cancers including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).•TORPEdO is the UK's first PBT clinical trial and aims to determine the benefits of PBT for OPSCC.•Training and support has been provided before and during the trial to reduce variations of contouring and radiotherapy planning.•There is a strong translational component within TORPEdO. Imaging and physics data along with blood, tissue collection will inform future studies in refining patient selection for IMPT.

Comparison of Dosimetric Parameters in Dysphagia Aspiration-Related Structures and Clinical Correlation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Radiotherapy

Introduction

Chemoradiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Persistent dysphagia following primary chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers can have a devastating effect on a patient’s quality of life. Many studies have shown that the dosimetric sparing of critical structures which were included in swallowing such as the pharyngeal constrictor muscle and larynx can provide improved functional outcomes and better quality of life. However, there are no current randomized studies confirming the benefits of such swallowing-sparing strategies. The aim is to evaluate late dysphagia after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer and to examine its correlation with clinical and dosimetric parameters.

Materials and methods

The period of this prospective study was from November 2018 to March 2020. Patients were divided randomly in 1:1 ratio into two groups, group 1 and group 2, each with 25 patients. Group 1 was planned by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) technique and group 2 was planned by intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique (IMRT) technique. Treatment was delivered after approval of radiotherapy plan. To evaluate the dose to dysphagia aspiration-related structures (DARS), these structures were contoured and dose-volume histograms were generated. Various dosimetric parameters of DARS were evaluated. Swallowing status was clinically evaluated based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.

Results

A significant advantage was seen with intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique (IMRT) in comparison to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in terms of mean dose delivered to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles (66.03 Gy vs 68.77 Gy, p=0.003). The mean dose delivered to the combined dysphagia/aspiration-related structures (DARS) was statistically significantly lower in IMRT compared to 3D-CRT (66.15 Gy vs. 70.09 Gy, p<0.001). Other dose-volumes were also reduced in IMRT group (V30: {98.64% vs. 99.88%, p=0.05}; V50: {90.49% vs. 99.02%, p=0.0002}; V60: {83.92% vs. 95.04, p=0.0002}; D50: {70 Gy vs. 71.16 Gy, p=0.001); and D80: {61.18 Gy vs. 67.39 Gy, p=0.01}. Futhermore, the clinical worsening of dysphagia was less common in IMRT group (48% vs. 80%, p=0.039).

Conclusion

IMRT can reduce the high-dose volumes received by the DARS receiving high doses by sparing these structures through optimization. This may provide a significant additional benefit that could improve dysphagia and hence the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer.

Similar long-term swallowing outcomes for accelerated, mildly-hypofractionated radiotherapy compared to conventional fractionation in oropharynx cancer: a multi-centre study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is renewed interest in hypofractionated radiotherapy, but limited data and a lack of consensus to support use for head and neck cancer. In this multicentre analysis we compared outcomes for patients with oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with conventional and accelerated, mildly hypofractionated radiotherapy without chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-centre, observational study of consecutive OPSCCs treated between 2015 and 2018. Patients underwent curative-intent radiotherapy (oropharynx and bilateral neck) using conventionally fractionated (70 Gy in 35 fractions over 7 weeks, n = 97) or accelerated, mildly hypofractionated (65-66 Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks, n = 136) radiotherapy without chemotherapy. Locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were compared. Patients alive and cancer-free at a minimum of 2 years post-radiotherapy (n = 151, 65%) were sent an MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire to assess swallow function.

RESULTS

LRC and OS were similar across schedules (p = 0.78 and 0.95 respectively, log-rank test). Enteral feeding rates during radiotherapy appeared higher in the 7-week group though this did not reach statistical significance (59% vs 48%, p = 0.08). Feeding rates were similar at 1 year post radiotherapy for both groups (10% vs 6%, p = 0.27). 107 patients returned MDADI questionnaires (71%); there were no differences between the 6- and 7-week groups for median global (60.0 vs 60.0, p = 0.99) and composite (65.8 vs 64.2, p = 0.44) MDADI scores.

CONCLUSION

Patients with OPSCC treated with radiotherapy alone have similar swallowing outcomes, LRC and OS following accelerated, mild hypofractionation and standard fractionation schedules, supporting its use as a standard-of-care option for patients unsuitable for concurrent chemotherapy.

Swallowing sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy versus standard parotid sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy for treatment of head and neck cancer: a randomized clinical trial

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.

The impact of dysphagia prehabilitation on swallowing outcomes post-chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to summarise research findings on dysphagia prehabilitation initiated before chemoradiation therapy (C)RT in head and neck cancer (HNC) including its impact on three swallow-related outcomes at distinct time points.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was completed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies of adults with HNC with an exercise-based prehabilitation programme beginning before (C)RT. Methodological quality was rated using the Downs and Black checklist. The Template for Intervention Descriptions and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to evaluate how well studies were reported.

RESULTS

Eight studies (three randomised control trials) involving 295 adults with HNC were included. The largest participant group (63%) were Stage III/IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Prehabilitation was completed independently at home (100%) and typically began 2 weeks before CRT (75%). Studies evaluated the impact of dysphagia prehabilitation across functional (n = 6), quality of life (n = 5) and physiological (n = 4) domains. Prehabilitation significantly altered physiological (25%), functional (66%) and quality of life (50%) outcomes. Fifty per cent of studies included long-term (>1 year) outcomes. Quality of included studies ranged from poor (25%) to good (38%). Six (75%) studies reported sufficient details of exercise programmes.

CONCLUSION

Limited evidence supports exercise-based dysphagia prehabilitation before (C)RT to improve swallow-related outcomes, and long-term benefits remain unclear. Further high-quality research using core outcome sets is required.

Improvement in Dysphagia Outcomes Following Clinical Target Volume Reduction in the De-ESCALaTE Study

AIMS

The De-ESCALaTE study showed an overall survival advantage for the administration of synchronous cisplatin chemotherapy with radiotherapy in low-risk oropharyngeal cancer when compared with synchronous cetuximab. During the trial, a radiotherapy quality assurance protocol amendment permitted centres to swap from the original radiotherapy contouring protocol (incorporating the whole oropharynx into the high-dose clinical target volume (CTV); anatomical protocol) to a protocol that incorporated the gross tumour volume with a 10 mm margin into the CTV (volumetric protocol). The purpose of this study was to examine both toxicity and tumour control related to this protocol amendment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall survival and recurrence at 2 years were used to compare tumour control in the two contouring cohorts. For toxicity, the cohorts were compared by both the number of severe (grades 3-5) and all grades acute and late toxicities. In addition, quality of life and swallowing were compared using EORTC-C30 and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 327 patients included in this study, 185 were contoured according to the anatomical protocol and 142 by the volumetric protocol. The two cohorts were well balanced, with the exception of significantly more patients in the anatomical cohort undergoing prophylactic feeding tube insertion (P < 0.001). With a minimum of 2 years of follow-up there was no significant difference in overall survival or recurrence between the two contouring protocols. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the rate of reported severe or all grades acute or late toxicity and no sustained significant difference in quality of life. However, there was a significant difference in favour of volumetric contouring in several domains of the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory questionnaire at 1 year, which persisted to 2 years in the dysphagia functional (P = 0.002), dysphagia physical (P = 0.009) and dysphagia overall function (P = 0.008) domains.

CONCLUSION

In the context of the unplanned post-hoc analysis of a randomised trial, measurable improvement in long-term dysphagia has been shown following a reduction in the CTV. Further reductions in the CTV should be subject to similar scrutiny within the confines of a prospective study.

Change in dysphagia and laryngeal function after radical radiotherapy in laryngo pharyngeal malignancies - a prospective observational study

Background

Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has the perceived advantage of function preservation by reduction of toxicities in the treatment of laryngo-pharyngeal malignancies. The aim of the study was to assess changes in dysphagia from baseline (i.e. prior to start of treatment) at three and six months post treatment in patients with laryngo-pharyngeal malignancies treated with radical radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Functional assessment of other structures involved in swallowing was also studied.

Materials and methods

40 patients were sampled consecutively. 33 were available for final analysis. Dysphagia, laryngeal edema, xerostomia and voice of patients were assessed at baseline and at three and six months after treatment. Radiation was delivered with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) using volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT). Concurrent chemotherapy was three weekly cisplatin 100 mg/m².

Results

Proportion of patients with dysphagia rose significantly from 45.5% before the start of treatment to 57.6% at three months and 60.6% at six months post treatment (p = 0.019). 67% patients received chemotherapy and addition of chemotherapy had a significant correlation with dysphagia (p = 0.05, r = -0.336). Severity of dysphagia at three and six months correlated significantly with the mean dose received by the superior constrictors (p = 0.003, r = 0.508 and p = 0.024, r = 0.391) and oral cavity (p = 0.001, r = 0.558 and p = 0.003, r = 0.501). There was a significant worsening in laryngeal edema at three and six months post treatment (p < 0.01) when compared to the pre-treatment examination findings with 60.6% of patients having grade two edema at six months. Significant fall in the mean spoken fundamental frequency from baseline was seen at 6 months (p = 0.04), mean fall was 21.3 Hz (95% CI: 1.5-41 Hz) with significant increase in roughness of voice post treatment (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

There was progressive worsening in dysphagia, laryngeal edema and voice in laryngo-pharyngeal malignancies post radical radiotherapy ± chemotherapy.

Swallowing Function Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A 2-Year Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 2-year follow-up swallowing function in patients with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) who completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy and transoral robotic surgery (NAC+S).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of patients with OPSCC treated with NAC+S between 2010 and 2021.

SETTING

A single academic institution.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of patient-reported swallowing function, assessed with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at least 2 years after completion of treatment. The inclusion criteria are patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent NAC+S at least 2 years ago. Those requiring adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation or experiencing relapse were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Completed MDADIs were received from 37 patients at a median 3.8 years posttreatment (interquartile range, 2.0-8.6 years). Of those, 94.6% (n = 35) were male and 81.1% (n = 30) were White. The median age at OPSCC diagnosis was 59.0 years (interquartile range, 41-80 years). The most frequent primary subsite of OPSCC was the base of the tongue (n = 20, 54.1%), followed by the tonsils (n = 16, 43.2%). In addition, 75.7% (n = 28) had stage IVa disease (TNM seventh edition), and 29 (78.4%) had scores ≥80, classified as optimal function. When compared with patients who received bilateral neck dissection, patients who received unilateral neck dissection were associated with an age <65 years old (P = .036) and lower clinical TNM stage (P = .04), as well as higher composite, emotional, functional, and physical MDADI scores (P = .017, .046, .013, and .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with OPSCC who were treated with NAC+S achieved satisfactory long-term swallowing outcomes. Unilateral neck dissection was significantly associated with higher MDADI scores in this patient cohort.

Speech and Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection with Immediate Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction for Advanced Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible Following Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Despite recent advances in the radiation techniques used for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) remains a significant complication. Advanced stage ORN is managed surgically with resection and immediate free tissue transfer reconstruction. An evaluation of the functional speech and swallowing outcomes was undertaken for patients undergoing surgical management of advanced ORN. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients, at a single, tertiary cancer centre, who underwent surgical resection for advanced Notani grade III ORN. Outcomes investigated included use and duration of tracheostomy and swallowing and speech status using Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Normalcy of Diet (PSS-NOD) and Understandability of Speech (PSS-Speech) at baseline and 3 months following surgery. Ten patients underwent surgical resection with free tissue transfer reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2019. Two patients required supplemental nutrition via a gastrostomy at three months post surgery. As per the PSS-NOD data half of the patients’ (n = 5) diet remained stable (n = 2) or improved (n = 3) and half of the participants experienced a decline in diet (n = 5). The majority of patients had no speech difficulties at baseline (n = 8). The majority of patients’ speech remained stable (n = 8) with two patients experiencing a deterioration in speech clarity following surgery. Well-designed studies with robust, sensitive multidimensional dysphagia and communication assessments are required to fully understand the impact of surgical management of advanced ORN using resection with free tissue transfer reconstruction.

Evaluating dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for patients with oropharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

We assessed long-term patient-reported dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following definitive surgical management with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) via a cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

Patients with OPC managed with primary oropharyngeal surgery as definitive treatment at least 1 year ago between 2015 and 2019 were identified. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Xerostomia Inventory (XI) scores were compared across treatment types (i.e., no adjuvant therapy [TORS-A] vs. adjuvant radiotherapy [TORS+RT] vs. adjuvant chemoradiotherapy [TORS+CT/RT]).

RESULTS

The sample had 62 patients (10 TORS-A, 30 TORS+RT, 22 TORS+CT/RT). TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly better MDADI scores than TORS+RT (p = 0.03) and TORS+CT/RT (p = 0.02), but TORS+RT and TORS+CT/RT were not significantly different. TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly less XI than TORS+RT (p < 0.01) and TORS+CT/RT (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with OPC who have undergone TORS+RT or TORS+CT/RT following surgery face clinically worse dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes relative to patients who undergo TORS-A.

Association Between Objective Ratings of Swallowing and Dysphagia-Specific Quality of Life in Patients Receiving (Chemo)radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer

The pervasive nature of dysphagia in the head/neck cancer (HNC) population necessitates a comprehensive evaluation approach, including both objective assessment of dysphagia, and subjective patient-reported functional measures. However, the congruence between clinician-rated and patient-perceived function is still not well understood. The current study investigated the association between objective clinician-rated swallow physiology (using the MBSImP) and patient-reported measures of swallowing-related quality of life (using the MDADI) in a secondary analysis of patients with oropharyngeal HNC treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. Seventy-nine patients with oropharyngeal HNC receiving (chemo)radiotherapy completed a standardised videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) rated using the MBSImP, and the MDADI, at pre-treatment (baseline), 6 weeks and 3 months post-treatment as per a previous prospective RCT. Data on n = 67 participants were analysed as part of the secondary analysis. Association between MBSImP oral and pharyngeal composite scores versus MDADI Global and subscale scores was examined using ordinary least squares regression and mixed-effects general linear modelling (GLM). Univariable analyses demonstrated significant associations between MBSImP oral composite scores and each of the MDADI subscales, as well as the MBSImP pharyngeal composite scores and all MDADI subscales. GLM analysis revealed significant associations were maintained between MBSImP pharyngeal scores and the MDADI global and emotional subscale scores at the multivariable level, with the physical subscale trending towards significance. No significant association was observed between the MBSImP oral composite scores and any of the MDADI subscales at the multivariable level. This study found significant associations between objective measures of pharyngeal swallow physiology and patient-perceived swallowing-related quality of life. These findings suggest a higher degree of concordance between clinician-rated and patient-reported measures up to 3 months post-(C)RT than previously reported.

Quality assurance of dysphagia-optimised intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment planning for head and neck cancer

This study aimed to assess the impact of the margin applied to the clinical target volume, to create the planning target volume, on plan quality of a novel dysphagia-optimised intensity modulated radiotherapy technique developed within a head and neck cancer multicentre randomised controlled trial. Protocol compliant plans were used for a single benchmark planning case. Larger margins were associated with higher doses to adjacent organs at risk, particularly the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, but coincided with some improved low dose target coverage. A 3 mm margin is recommended for this technique if local practices allow.

Review of prophylactic swallowing interventions for head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer treatment destroys nerves and/or organs associated with swallowing. Previous studies have investigated the efficacy of exercises for muscles used in swallowing before treatment in reducing disuse atrophy and delaying the occurrence of muscle fibrosis. However, the rehabilitation effects of training and the optimal intervention strategy are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To establish evidence for the efficacy of prophylactic swallowing interventions in reducing aspiration and restoring oral intake in patients with head and neck cancer with dysphagia.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and MEDLINE) for studies published up to June 2021 reporting outcomes following prophylactic swallowing interventions in patients with head and neck cancer with dysphagia and the related influencing factors. The methodological quality of the literature was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools.

RESULTS

The search identified 1468 articles, and 13 studies were eventually included. Four categories involving 12 different swallowing interventions were classified. Regarding the descriptive analysis of the rehabilitation effects across all studies, in terms of oropharyngeal safety, five studies showed that swallowing interventions reduced the risk of aspiration, penetration or residue. In terms of oral intake and tube feeding dependence, four studies demonstrated reduced time to return to oral intake in the intervention group compared with the control group. In terms of intervention adherence, three studies showed that speech-language pathologist- and nurse-supervised training was a potential promoter of adherence, and five studies showed that the negative factors affecting adherence included pain, fatigue, forgetting, smoking, decreased exercise motivation, side effects of radiotherapy and distance to the rehabilitation site.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventive swallowing interventions may be effective at reducing aspiration, improving swallowing function, and restoring oral intake. However, due to the lack of standardization and consistency of interventions and measurement results, which prevented the production of a best practice guide, future rigorous methodological trials will be needed to determine the most effective interventions for maximizing exercise adherence over the long term.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Residual and Recurrent Oropharyngeal Cancers

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a well-established treatment option for treatment-naïve oropharyngeal cancer. For residual, recurrent, and new primary oropharyngeal tumors emerging in previously irradiated fields, the global experience of management with TORS is limited. This article discusses current concepts on this topic, offers a deeper insight into the transoral anatomy for these cases, and covers the specific complexities of resections in the various subsites of the oropharynx. It provides practical tips on reconstruction, recovery, and rehabilitation as well as offering a synthesis of the current evidence and exploring future trends.

Trends in, and predictors of, swallowing and social eating outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors: A longitudinal analysis of head and neck 5000

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the recovery trajectory and predictors of outcome for swallowing difficulties following head and neck cancer treatment in a large prospective cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 5404 participants of the Head and Neck 5000 study were collected from 2011 to 2014. Patient-reported swallowing was measured using the EORTC HN35, recorded at baseline (pre-treatment) and 4 and 12 months post-baseline. Mixed-effects linear multivariable regression was used to investigate time trends, compare cancer sites, and identify associations between clinical, socio-demographic and lifestyle variables.

RESULTS

2458 participants with non-recurrent oral (29%) oropharyngeal (46%) and laryngeal (25%) cancer were included in the analysis. There was a clinically significant deterioration in scores between baseline and four months for swallowing (11.7 points; 95% CI 10.7-12.8) and trouble with social eating (17.9 points; 95% CI 16.7-19.2), but minimal difference between baseline and 12 months. Predictors of better swallowing and social eating were participants with larynx cancer, early-stage disease, treatment type, age, gender, co-morbidity, socio-economic status, smoking behaviour and cohabitation.

CONCLUSION

Swallowing problems persist up to a year after head and neck cancer treatment. These findings identify disease and demographic characteristics for particularly vulnerable groups, supporting the need for holistic interventions to help improve swallowing outcomes. People diagnosed with head and neck cancer at risk of severe eating and drinking problems following treatment can be identified earlier in the pathway, receive more accurate information about early and late post-treatment side-effects, which can inform shared decision-making discussions.

Psychometric Properties of the MDADI-A Preliminary Study of Whether Less is Truly More?

The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) is a 20-item dysphagia-specific QOL questionnaire with four subscales: global, emotional, functional, and physical. It is widely used in clinical practice and in research; however, its psychometric properties have been under-researched. We aim to evaluate the organisation of the MDADI subscales and identify any redundant items. The MDADI is a routinely collected outcome measure at two centres in northeast England. Questionnaires completed at three months following treatment were extracted from these existing databases. Factor analysis was carried out with the aim of reducing redundancy among the set of questionnaire items. Cases with missing values were excluded. A total of 196 complete patient questionnaires were used in factor analysis. A one-factor model accounted for around 50% of the total variance in item responses. The top five endorsed items (abbreviated by the questionnaire item keywords: Excluded, Irritate, Esteem, Social, and Why) in this one factor appeared in three (emotional, functional, and physical) of the four supposed MDADI subscales, i.e. global, emotional, functional, and physical. Our results suggest an overlap of three MDADI subscales across the top five endorsed items. The content of the top five questions all appear related to the psychosocial aspects of swallowing. This implies some redundancy of the items in the original subscales of the questionnaire. Using the most endorsed items, it appears feasible to abbreviate the 20-item MDADI questionnaire to a 5-item “MiniDADI” questionnaire, which is likely to have greater utility in routine clinical practice outside of research settings.

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

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.

[It's a matter of time and dosage - intra arterial chemotherapy for carcinoma of the oropharynx]

INTRODUCTION

Advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have good response rates with radiochemotherapy. However, quality of life is often severely affected and the main reason for high rates of suicide. For a deliberately milder treatment, there is an option to selectively treat the tumor region with chemotherapy. This study reports on the treatment of oropharyngeal carcinoma with intra arterial short-term infusion.

METHODS

55 patients, suffering from inoperable carcinoma of the oropharynx have been treated with intra-arterial short-term infusion chemotherapy via angiocatheters or implanted arterial port catheters. Infusion time of 7 to 12 minutes. Patients with high tumor load or lung metastases had additional treatment of isolated thoracic perfusion.

RESULTS

Divergent overall survival rates have been noted depending on the pretreatment of the patients. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates of 76 %, 54 % and 35 % for patients without prior irradiation and 40 %, 7 % und 7 % for priorly irradiated patients have been observed. Particularly long overall survival rates have been observed for the subgroup of patients with pretreatment but without irradiation suffering from relapsed cancer, who reached median survival rates of 33.5 months. In contrast, the median survival of irradiated patients suffering from recurrent cancer was 8.2 months. Tracheostomy and tube feeding could be avoided in any case.

DISCUSSION

Randomized clinical trials are necessary to support these results. However, small dosages can generate high concentrations in limited volumes and therefore have an increased effect while keeping side effects low.

Characterization of very late dysphagia after chemoradiation for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Improved prognosis for p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has led to efforts to mitigate long-term complications of treatment, which remains poorly defined in late survivors. Here we characterize very late dysphagia in OPSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Long-term review of 93 p16+ OPSCC patients treated with chemoradiation was performed. We scored videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) according to the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) scale. Very late dysphagia was defined >2.5 years from end of treatment. Fine-Gray regression models were used to assess dysphagia with competing risk of death.

RESULTS

Median follow up was 10.5 years. 402 total VFSS were assessed (median 4 per patient, range 0-8). 15.1% of patients had a DIGEST score ≥2 very late after treatment. Very late DIGEST score ≥2 correlated with T-stage (HR 1.7, p = 0.049), second cancer (HR 6.5, p = 0.004), superior pharyngeal constrictor dose (HR 1.11, p = 0.050), total tongue dose (HR 1.07, p = 0.045), but not hypoglossal nerve dose (p > 0.2). Seven patients (7.5%) had late progressive dysphagia, defined as DIGEST score that increased by ≥2 beyond one year after treatment, and this correlated with higher ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve D1cc dose (75 vs 72 Gy, p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

In p16+ OPSCC patients treated with definitive chemoradiation, at least 7.5% developed late progressive dysphagia, and 15.1% experienced moderate dysphagia >2.5 years from treatment. Our study suggests that dose to tongue musculature may be associated with very late dysphagia, and hypoglossal nerve dose may be associated with late progressive dysphagia. More intensive long-term dysphagia survivorship monitoring is suggested.

SIP SMART: a parallel group randomised feasibility trial of a tailored pre-treatment swallowing intervention package compared with usual care for patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing affects quality of life for most patients with head and neck cancer. SIP SMART - [Swallowing Intervention Package: Self-Monitoring, Assessment, Rehabilitation Training] aims to improve post-treatment swallowing outcomes through a targeted and tailored pre-treatment intervention. This feasibility study assessed 1) recruitment and retention, 2) patient acceptability of randomisation and participation, 3) patient adherence, and 4) sought to identify a suitable primary outcome for a definitive trial, including sample size estimation.

METHODS

This two-arm parallel group non-blinded randomised feasibility trial took place within a head and neck centre at a teaching hospital in London, UK. Patients newly diagnosed with stage III/IV head and neck cancer were recruited and underwent 6-month follow-up. Patients were randomised to SIP-SMART or usual care via an online web-based system. SIP SMART comprised two 45-min consultations including a baseline clinical and instrumental swallowing assessment, relevant educational information, targeted swallowing exercises, and specific behaviour change strategies to increase exercise adherence. Usual care comprised a single session including a baseline clinical assessment and generic information about the likely impact of treatment on swallowing.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients were identified at pre-screening, 70 were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-six patients did not meet eligibility criteria [0.37, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.49]. Five of 44 [0.11, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.24] eligible patients were not approached by researchers during clinic. Seven [0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.33] of the 39 approached declined participation. Target recruitment (32 consented patients) was achieved within the timeframe. At 6-months 29/32 [0.91, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.97] patients remained in the trial. Acceptability of randomisation and participation in the intervention was favourable, and adherence to the exercises exceeded the pre-defined 35% minimum criterion. The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory swallow related quality of life measure was selected as the most suitable primary outcome for sample size estimation. No adverse effects arose from the intervention, or study participation.

CONCLUSIONS

A definitive trial of the SIP SMART intervention compared to usual care is feasible and can be undertaken with patients with head and neck cancer treated within the NHS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN40215425, registered retrospectively.

Interactive website for head and neck cancer patients: Adherence and coping program to prevent dysphagia after radiation

INTRODUCTION

Pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are highly curable; however survivors are at high risk for long-term dysphagia after radiation. To address lack of access to preventive care in community settings, we developed a responsive web-based application to help patients adhere to preventive swallowing exercises and cope with radiation side effects. We conducted an interim study analysis to determine website usage characteristics and to examine the effect size for future trials.

METHODS

Pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients were recruited for enrollment by speech language pathologists before primary radiation and introduced to the interactive website. The program (English and Spanish) features tracking logs for preventive exercises, instructional videos, patient stories and search features. Patients' self-reported swallowing function was assessed with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at baseline and at 6 months. Adherence to preventive exercises was assessed during the 10 week intervention. Number of unique website visits, total duration of website exposure, and rankings of the most popular webpages were calculated. Preliminary regression models were run using adherence and MDADI as outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 160 enrolled, 96 had 10-week adherence data and 61 had 6-month MDADI data. The average age was 63 (SD = 12.26), 49.4% were from rural counties, 44% had a high school education or lower, and 42% reported annual income of $30,000 or less. The average number of visits was 5.49 (SD = 9.96) and the average total time spent with the website was 41.09 min (SD =88.48). Preliminary analyses indicated that number of unique visits to the website was independently associated with increased adherence to preventive exercises (p = .001-.008).

CONCLUSION

Our website showed significant effects in promoting adherence to swallowing exercises. However, our return visit rate showed that the platform needs improvement in navigability and usability for this older population undergoing challenging treatment in community settings with low resources.

Emotional Quality of Life After Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Purpose

Substantial research exists on the physical toxicities from radiation therapy (RT) for oropharyngeal cancers, but emotional quality of life is understudied. The purpose of this study is to map the effects and time course of radiation-related changes in mood and anxiety and to investigate the physical factors that drive these changes.

Methods and materials

We prospectively collected University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaires and identified patients with oropharyngeal cancer who were treated with curative-intent RT between 2013 and 2016 and had completed questionnaires within 12 months after RT (n = 69). We analyzed swallow, saliva, taste, chewing, speech, pain, mood, and anxiety scores, using a scale from 0 to 100. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis to identify physical functioning predictors of worse emotional scores.

Results

Physical functioning scores declined from before RT to 3 months after RT and then began improving but did not rebound to baseline levels within 12 months. Patient mood slightly declined, but anxiety improved immediately after RT, with both generally improving such that scores were higher at the 12-month follow-up than at initial consult. Analysis showed that longer duration of treatment is associated with a higher likelihood of worse mood scores at 12 months (odds ratio [OR], 1.446; P < .01). Worse swallow score is associated with a greater likelihood of worse mood score at 3 months (OR, 0.971; P < .01) and 12 months (OR, 0.975; P < .01). A worse taste score is associated with a greater likelihood of worse anxiety score at 3 months (OR, 0.979; P < .05) and 12 months (OR, 0.982; P < .05).

Conclusions

Emotional changes are associated with certain treatment-associated toxicities. A patient's emotional health is complex and likely multifactorial in nature. Our study identified key associations and time points to potentially intervene upon.

Organ Preservation and Late Functional Outcome in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Rationale of EORTC 1420, the "Best of" Trial

Dysphagia represents one of the most serious adverse events after curative-intent treatments with a tremendous impact on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancers. Novel surgical and radiation therapy techniques have been developed to better preserve swallowing function, while not negatively influencing local control and/or overall survival. This review focuses on the current literature of swallowing outcomes after curative treatment strategies. Available results from recent studies relevant to this topic are presented, demonstrating the potential role of new treatment modalities for early- and intermediate-stage oropharyngeal cancers. Based on this, we present the rationale and design of the currently active EORTC 1420 "Best of" trial, and highlight the potential of this study to help prioritizing either surgery- or radiation-based treatment modalities for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in the future.

Rates of Dysphagia-Related Diagnoses in Long-Term Survivors of Head and Neck Cancers

OBJECTIVE

To estimate long-term prevalence of new dysphagia-related diagnoses in a large cohort of head and neck cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Population based.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 1901 adults diagnosed with head and neck cancer between 1997 and 2012 with at least 3 years of follow-up were compared with 7796 controls matched for age, sex, and birth state. Prevalence of new dysphagia-related diagnoses and procedures and hazard ratio compared to controls were evaluated in patients 2 to 5 years and 5 years and beyond after diagnosis. Risk factors for the development of these diagnoses were analyzed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of new diagnosis and hazard ratio compared to controls remained elevated for all diagnoses throughout the time periods investigated. The rate of aspiration pneumonia was 3.13% at 2 to 5 years, increasing to 6.75% at 5 or more years, with hazard ratios of 9.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.08-17.87) and 12.57 (7.17-22.04), respectively. Rate of gastrostomy tube placement increased from 2.82% to 3.32% with hazard ratio remaining elevated from 51.51 (13.45-197.33) to 35.2 (7.81-158.72) over the same time period. The rate of any dysphagia-related diagnosis or procedure increased from 14.9% to 26% with hazard ratio remaining elevated from 3.32 (2.50-4.42) to 2.12 (1.63-2.75). Treatment with radiation therapy and age older than 65 years were associated with increased hazard ratio for dysphagia-related diagnoses.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that new dysphagia-related diagnoses continue to occur at clinically meaningful levels in long-term head and neck cancer survivors beyond 5 years after diagnosis.

Swallowing-related outcomes associated with late lower cranial neuropathy in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: cross-sectional survey analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to quantify the association of late lower cranial neuropathy (late LCNP) with swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) and functional status among long-term oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) survivors.

METHODS

Eight hundred eighty-nine OPC survivors (median survival time: 7 years) who received primary treatment at a single institution between January 2000 and December 2013 completed a cross-sectional survey (56% response rate) that included the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and self-report of functional status. Late LCNP events ≥3 months after cancer therapy were abstracted from medical records. Multivariate models regressed MDADI scores on late LCNP status adjusting for clinical covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, 4.0% (n = 36) of respondents developed late LCNP with median time to onset of 5.25 years post-treatment. LCNP cases reported significantly worse mean composite MDADI (LCNP: 68.0 vs no LCNP: 80.2; P < .001). Late LCNP independently associated with worse mean composite MDADI (β = -6.7, P = .02; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.0 to -1.3) as well as all MDADI domains after multivariate adjustment. LCNP cases were more likely to have a feeding tube at time of survey (odds ratio [OR] = 20.5; 95% CI, 8.6-48.9), history of aspiration pneumonia (OR = 23.5; 95% CI, 9.6-57.6), and tracheostomy (OR = 26.9; 95% CI, 6.0-121.7).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large survey study, OPC survivors with late LCNP reported significantly poorer swallowing-related QOL and had significantly higher likelihood of poor functional status. Further efforts are necessary to optimize swallowing outcomes to improve QOL in this subgroup of survivors.

Impact of choice of feeding tubes on long-term swallow function following chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma

Background: Prior reports have raised concerns that a prophylactic gastrostomy may be detrimental to long-term swallow function. This study evaluates patient-reported swallow function following chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma in relation to the use of a prophylactic gastrostomy or nasogastric (NG) tube as required. Material and methods: The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) was posted to 204 disease-free patients at least 2 years following chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma between 2010 and 2014. Results: Overall, 181/204 (89%) patients returned questionnaire at a median of 34 months post-treatment. 97/181 (54%) and 84/181 (46%) were managed with an approach of a prophylactic gastrostomy or NG tube as required, respectively. A prophylactic gastrostomy was associated with higher rates of enteral feeding (92% vs. 58%, p < .001), lower median percentage weight loss (7.0% vs. 9.4%, p < .001), increased duration of enteral feed (median 3.3 vs. 1.1 months, p < .001). There was no significant difference in patient-reported swallow function measured by MDADI summary scores and subscales for patients managed with an approach of prophylactic gastrostomy or NG as required. Duration of enteral feed correlated negatively with composite MDADI scores. A subgroup of 116/181 (64%) patients were documented as having been offered a choice of enteral feeding approach and therefore can be considered to represent clinical equipoise; there were no significant differences in MDADI scores according to route. Conclusions: Despite concern regarding the use of a prophylactic gastrostomy in prior studies, the approaches of using a prophylactic gastrostomy or an NG tube as required to support patients during/after chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma were associated with similar long-term swallow outcomes.

Using experience-based co-design to improve the pre-treatment care pathway for people diagnosed with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have highlighted that people diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) have complex information needs. They are subject to multiple clinical appointments with numerous healthcare professionals in preparation for their treatment. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are core members of the HNC multidisciplinary team, providing assessment, prehabilitation and counselling regarding potential treatment effects on the critical functions, including swallowing and communication. We believed the purpose of the pre-treatment speech-language therapy (SLT) consultation within this pathway is not well understood by patients. Whilst the benefits of prophylactic swallowing exercise prescriptions continue to be explored, adherence is a frequently cited challenge in clinical trials. We sought to enhance pre-treatment dysphagia services for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiation.

METHODS

A participatory action research approach called experience-based co-design (EBCD) was undertaken at a tertiary cancer hospital in the UK. People who had previous radical radiation treatment for head and neck cancer and staff members within the head and neck unit were recruited to take part in in-depth, one-to-one interviews about their experiences of the pre-treatment SLT head and neck radiation clinic. Patient interviews were video-recorded, analysed and edited down to a 30 min 'trigger' film. At a subsequent patient feedback event, the film was shown and an 'emotional mapping' exercise was undertaken. Through facilitated discussion, patient priorities for change were agreed and recorded. At a staff feedback event, key themes from the staff interviews were discussed and priority areas for change identified. The project culminated in a joint patient and staff event where the film was viewed, experiences shared and joint priorities for change agreed. Task and finish groups were developed to implement these changes.

RESULTS

Seven patients and seven staff members participated. All seven patients had undergone radical (chemo-) radiation for HNC. At least 2 months had elapsed since their final treatment date and all participants were within 9 months of their definitive treatment. Staff members comprised a radiation oncologist, two clinical nurse specialists, two head and neck dietitians and two speech-language therapists. Patients reported that overall, their experience of the pre-treatment clinic is positive. Patients value experienced staff, consistency of staff and the messages they provide and a team approach. Patients highlighted the need for different information methods including online/digital information resources and further information regarding the longer-term effects of treatment. Patients valued the purposes of prophylactic exercises and again advocated for supporting resources to be available in a range of online/digital media. Staff members raised the need for flexibility in appointment times and clearer messaging as to the rationale for a pre-treatment SLT appointment, including a rebranding of the SLT service. Seven key areas for improvement were identified jointly by patients and staff members including revision of patient and carer information, development of a patient experience video, information on timelines for recovery, a buddy system for patients before, during and after treatment, flexibility of appointment scheduling, seamless transfer of care between settings and SLT department rebranding. Joint patient and staff task and finish groups were initiated to work on these seven priority areas.

CONCLUSIONS

We have worked in partnership with patients to co-design pre-treatment dysphagia services which are accessible and meet the individuals' needs. Task and finish groups are ongoing with staff and patients are working together to address priority areas for change. This work provides a good example for other centres who may wish to engage in similar activities.

Optimising Radiation Therapy Dose to the Swallowing Organs at Risk: An In Silico Study of feasibility for Patients with Oropharyngeal Tumours

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.

Revisiting the dose constraints for head and neck OARs in the current era of IMRT

Head and neck cancer poses a particular challenge in radiation therapy, whilst being an effective treatment modality it requires very high doses of radiation to provide effective therapy. This is further complicated by the fact that the head and neck region contains a large number of radiosensitive tissues, often resulting in patients experiencing debilitating normal tissue complications. In the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments can be delivered using non-uniform dose distributions selectively aimed at reducing the dose to critical organs-at-risk while still adequately covering the tumor target. Dose-volume constraints for the different risk organs play a vital role in one's ability to devise the best IMRT treatment plan for a head and neck cancer patient. To this end, it is pivotal to have access to the latest and most relevant dose constraints available and as such the goal of this review is to provide a summary of suggested dose-volume constraints for head and neck cancer RT that have been published after the QUANTEC reports were made available in early 2010.

Changes in Patient-reported Swallow Function in the Long Term After Chemoradiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

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.

Swallowing beyond six years post (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer; a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this prospective study is to report on long-term swallowing outcomes in a group of head and neck cancer patients following (chemo) radiotherapy treatment, assess for changes over time and identify any predictor variables of outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

42 survivors were assessed on four swallowing measures and followed up from pre-treatment to six years post 3D (chemo) radiotherapy. Measures included a swallowing specific QOL questionnaire, penetration-aspiration scale, dietary restrictions and a timed water swallow test.

RESULTS

At six years, 71% reported swallowing difficulties on the questionnaire. One fifth of patients had aspiration, with a raised risk of chest infection. Seven percent required a laryngectomy for a dysfunctional larynx. Despite this, half the group reported having a normal diet. There was variation in the pattern of change between one and six years. A significant deterioration was only observed in the timed water swallow test (p < 0.0001). Larger radiotherapy volume predicted this outcome. None of the variables tested predicted outcome for the other three swallow measures.

CONCLUSION

Patients continue to report swallowing difficulties at six years, with a proportion having persistent aspiration. Further work on identifying the risk factors associated with aspiration tolerance, aspiration pneumonia, prevention and management is warranted. Long-term dysphagia remains a significant and serious concern following (chemo) radiotherapy for HNC and swallowing outcomes should continue to be monitored over time.

Predictors of Patient-Reported Dysphagia Following IMRT Plus Chemotherapy in Oropharyngeal Cancer

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the factors associated with patient-reported dysphagia in patients affected by locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy (CHT), with or without induction CHT. We evaluated 148 OPC patients treated with IMRT and concurrent CHT, without evidence of disease and who had completed their treatment since at least 6 months. At their planned follow-up visit, patients underwent clinical evaluation and completed the M.D. Anderson dysphagia inventory (MDADI) questionnaire. The association between questionnaire composite score (MDADI-CS) and different patients' and tumor's characteristics and treatments (covariates) was investigated by univariable and multivariable analyses, the latter including only covariates significant at univariable analysis. With a median time from treatment end of 30 months [range 6-74 months, interquartile range (IQR) 16-50 months], the median (IQR) MDADI-CS was 72 (63-84). The majority of patients (82.4%) had a MDADI-CS ≥ 60. At multivariable analysis, female gender, human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative status, and moderate and severe clinician-rated xerostomia were significantly associated with lower MDADI-CS. Patient-perceived dysphagia was satisfactory or acceptable in the majority of patients. HPV status and xerostomia were confirmed as important predictive factors for swallowing dysfunction after radiochemotherapy. Data regarding female gender are new and deserve further investigation.

Impact of prophylactic gastrostomy or reactive NG tube upon patient-reported long term swallow function following chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma: A matched pair analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this matched pair analysis is to assess patient-reported long term swallow function following chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer in relation to the use of a prophylactic gastrostomy or reactive nasogastric (NG) tube.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) was posted to 68 consecutive patients with stage III/IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had completed parotid sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy between 2010 and 2012, had not required therapeutic enteral feeding prior to treatment, minimum 2years follow up post treatment, and who were disease free. 59/68 replies were received, and a matched pair analysis (matching for T and N stage) was performed for 52 patients, 26 managed with a prophylactic gastrostomy and 26 with an approach of an NG tube as needed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient demographics, pre-treatment diet and treatment factors between the two groups. Patient-reported swallowing function measured using the MDADI was superior for patients managed with an NG tube as required compared with a prophylactic gastrostomy: overall composite score 68.1 versus 59.4 (p=0.04), global score 67.7 versus 60 (p=0.04), emotional subscale 73.5 versus 60.4 (p<0.01), functional subscale 75.4 versus 61.7 (p<0.01), and physical subscale 59.6 versus 57.1 (p=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with an approach of an NG tube as required, the use of a prophylactic gastrostomy was associated with inferior long term patient-reported long term swallow outcomes.