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Dysphagia

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01-09-2013 | Review Article

Systematic Review of Dose–Volume Correlates for Structures Related to Late Swallowing Disturbances After Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Authors: Fréderic Duprez, Indira Madani, Bruno De Potter, Tom Boterberg, Wilfried De Neve

Published in: Dysphagia | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Background

We analyzed published dose–volume data of the structures related to late radiotherapy-induced swallowing disturbances in head-and-neck cancer to estimate their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value and to propose minimal criteria for future studies.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search to identify dose–volume correlates with late swallowing disturbances. Study design, dose–volume data, toxicity evaluation, and statistical methods were considered in the analysis.

Results

Seven studies were found, among which one prospective study reported exact dose–volume correlates for individual swallowing structures. Four studies identified dose–volume correlates without reporting exact numbers. One study did not find any correlate of dose–volume data of the swallowing structures with late swallowing disturbances. Variations in patient characteristics, study design, methodology, and statistics made any comparison difficult. However, mean dose to the pharyngeus constrictor muscles appeared to be the most demonstrative predictor of late swallowing disturbances, e.g., reducing the mean dose to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles from 61–64 to 52–55 Gy resulted in fewer swallowing disturbances. There were no available data to estimate sensitivity, specificity, or predictive value of the reported dose–volume correlates.

Conclusion

Mean dose to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles appeared to be the most important dosimetric predictor of late swallowing disturbances. Suggested dose–volume correlates require validation in prospective well-designed clinical trials, applying appropriate statistical methods that would account for possible interfering factors.

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Title: Systematic Review of Dose–Volume Correlates for Structures Related to Late Swallowing Disturbances After Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Fréderic Duprez
Indira Madani
Bruno De Potter
Tom Boterberg
Wilfried De Neve
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Dysphagia / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-051X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0460
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9452-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Systematic Review of Dose–Volume Correlates for Structures Related to Late Swallowing Disturbances After Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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