Late-onset swallowing outcomes post-treatment for head and neck cancer in a UK-based population

Tengku, S., Lohi, I., Connelly, A., Slaven, E., Sloane, K., Herity, K., McBlain, L., Douglas, C. M. and Montgomery, J. (2023) Late-onset swallowing outcomes post-treatment for head and neck cancer in a UK-based population. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 137(3), pp. 293-300. (doi: 10.1017/S0022215122000834) (PMID:35317872) (PMCID:PMC9975761)

Abstract

Background: Swallowing outcomes following head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment in the context of late-onset post-radiotherapy changes can occur greater than five years post-treatment. Methods: A retrospective study utilising patient records from March 2013-April 2015. Patients were categorised into „swallow dysfunction‟ and „normal swallow‟ groups. Quality of life was investigated using MDADI and Euroqol questionnaires. Results: Swallow dysfunction was seen in 77 (51%) of 152 included patients. Twenty-eight (36%) patients in the swallow dysfunction group reported symptoms in year five. Swallow dysfunction was associated with stage IV HNSCC (p<0.001) and radiotherapy (p<0.001). MDADI global scores showed significant differences between swallow dysfunction and normal swallow groups (p=0.01), and radiotherapy and surgery groups (p=0.03), but no significant difference between MDADI composite or EQ-5D scores. Conclusion: One-third of HNSCC survivors with swallow dysfunction still show symptoms at greater than five years follow up, at a point which they are typically discharged.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Connelly, Dr Andrew and Montgomery, Ms Jennifer and Douglas, Miss Catriona
• Authors: Tengku, S., Lohi, I., Connelly, A., Slaven, E., Sloane, K., Herity, K., McBlain, L., Douglas, C. M., and Montgomery, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Laryngology and Otology
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0022-2151
• ISSN (Online): 1748-5460
• Published Online: 23 March 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Laryngology and Otology 137(3): 293-300
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy