Global assessment of swallow function (GASF) following VMAT radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Aim: This study aimed to conduct a global assessment of swallow function (GASF) using a range of swallow outcome tools, in a cohort of patients pre- and post-treatment with image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy. Materials and methods: All patients receiving radical (chemo...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000398 |
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| Summary: | Aim: This study aimed to conduct a global assessment of swallow function (GASF) using a range of swallow outcome tools, in a cohort of patients pre- and post-treatment with image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy. Materials and methods: All patients receiving radical (chemo)radiation for SCC of the larynx, oro-, hypo- or nasopharynx between October 2016 – 2021 were eligible for inclusion.Patients were treated with VMAT radiotherapy according to institutional and national protocols.Patients underwent GASF pre- and 6 months post-treatment. Data were collated from the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Performance Status Scale-Head and Neck: Normalcy of Diet scale (PSS-NoD), the 100 ml water swallow test (WST) for capacity and maximal interincisal opening (MIO). Results: One hundred and seventy-five patients were included. 55.2 % of patients experienced a fall in MDADI-Composite score greater than the published meaningful clinical important difference (MCID).A trend for a decrease in FOIS score reflects a decrease in range of diet textures and increase in reliance on enteral feeding at 6 months post-treatment.Mean PSS-NoD score decreased reflecting increased restriction in diet textures.20 patients’ WST capacity improved by the minimal clinically important difference of > 4mls whilst 37 % of patients experienced a decrease in WST capacity of 4mls or more. 12.6 % of patients developed trismus following radiotherapy. Conclusions: This paper adds new detail to the understanding of the decline in measured eating, drinking and swallowing function that patients treated with VMAT radiotherapyexperience at 6 months post treatment. However, gaps are highlighted in the evidence base in terms of interpretation of swallow outcomes tool scores; future research in HNC should include ongoing discussion and development around robust outcomes tools and data collection. |
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| ISSN: | 2405-6324 |