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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-08-2018 | Head & Neck

Analysis of dysphagia in advanced-stage head-and-neck cancer patients: impact on quality of life and development of a preventive swallowing treatment

Authors: Ilaria Carmignani, Luca Giovanni Locatello, Isacco Desideri, Pierluigi Bonomo, Emanuela Olmetto, Lorenzo Livi, Odile Le Saec, Salvatore Coscarelli, Giuditta Mannelli

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 8/2018

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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Title: Analysis of dysphagia in advanced-stage head-and-neck cancer patients: impact on quality of life and development of a preventive swallowing treatment
Authors: Ilaria Carmignani
Luca Giovanni Locatello
Isacco Desideri
Pierluigi Bonomo
Emanuela Olmetto
Lorenzo Livi
Odile Le Saec
Salvatore Coscarelli
Giuditta Mannelli
Publication date: 01-08-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-018-5054-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Analysis of dysphagia in advanced-stage head-and-neck cancer patients: impact on quality of life and development of a preventive swallowing treatment

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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