scholarly journals Determining the Impact of Thickened Liquids on Swallowing in Patients Undergoing Irradiation for Oropharynx Cancer

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110104
Author(s):  
Carly E. A. Barbon ◽  
Douglas B. Chepeha ◽  
Andrew J. Hope ◽  
Melanie Peladeau-Pigeon ◽  
Ashley A. Waito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Clinical Benefit ◽  
Oropharyngeal Cancer ◽  
Thickened Liquids ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Oropharynx Cancer ◽  
Post Radiation ◽  
Thin Liquids ◽  
The Impact

The current standard for the treatment of oropharynx cancers is radiation therapy. However, patients are frequently left with dysphagia characterized by penetration-aspiration (impaired safety) and residue (impaired efficiency). Although thickened liquids are commonly used to manage dysphagia, we lack evidence to guide the modification of liquids for clinical benefit in the head and neck cancer population. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of slightly and mildly thick liquids on penetration-aspiration and residue in 12 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who displayed penetration-aspiration on thin liquid within 3 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Significantly fewer instances of penetration-aspiration were seen with slightly and mildly thick liquids as compared with thin ( P < .05). No differences were found across stimuli in the frequency of residue. Patients with oropharyngeal cancers who present with post–radiation therapy dysphagia involving penetration-aspiration on thin liquids may benefit from slightly and mildly thick liquids without risk of worse residue.

scholarly journals Adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enis Tinjak ◽  
Velda Smajlbegović ◽  
Adnan Beganović ◽  
Mirjana Ristanić ◽  
Halil Ćorović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Adaptive Radiotherapy ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Parotid Glands ◽  
Image Guided Radiotherapy ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Radiation therapy has long played an integral role in the manage¬ment of locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC), both for organ preservation and to improve tumor control in the postoperative setting. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetric, clinical, and toxicity outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy treatment. Many sources have reported volume reductions in the primary target, nodal volumes, and parotid glands over treatment, which may result in unintended dosimetric changes affecting the side effect profile and even efficacy of the treatment. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an interesting treatment paradigm that has been developed to directly adjust to these changes.Material and methods: This research contains the results of 15 studies, including clinical trials, randomized prospective and retrospective studies. The researches analyze the impact of radiation therapy on changes in tumor volume and the relationship with planned radiation dose delivery, as well as the possibility of using adaptive radiotherapy in response to identified changes. Also, medical articles and abstracts that are closely related to the title of adaptive radiotherapy were researched.Results: The application of ART significantly improved the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer, as well as two-year locoregional control of the disease. The average time to apply ART is the middle of the treatment course approximately 17 to 20 fractions of the treatment.Conclusion: Based on systematic review of the literature, evidence based changes in target volumes and dose reduction at OAR, adaptive radiotherapy is recommended treatment for most of the patients with head and neck cancer with the support of image-guided radiotherapy.

Radiographers relationship with head and neck cancer patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Egestad
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Post Radiation ◽  
Fear And Anxiety

AbstractIntroductionHead and neck cancer patients face many demanding events, such as radiation therapy, which can cause anxiety and uncertainty. Studies report that relevant information decreases emotional distress and inadequate communication can lead to increased fear and anxiety. There is a lack of research that describes what radiographers do when they meet the patients. The aim is to explain what radiographers’ do that may lead to less anxiety and uncertainty for head and neck cancer patients.MethodThis study was conducted via qualitative interviews and took on a phenomenological, hermeneutic approach. Eleven head and neck cancer patients were interviewed 1-month post radiation therapy.ResultsSuccessful meetings are characterised by the radiographer smiling, being pleasant, referring to the patient by their name, informing the patient thoroughly, asking open questions and answering questions.ConclusionHead and neck cancer patients feel vulnerable and need the radiographer to create a safe atmosphere when they undergo treatment. Then radiographers reduce uncertainty, provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, provide information and create alliances.

Improved Local Control in Head-and-Neck Cancer With Post-Radiation Therapy Neck Dissection

2013 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. S470
Author(s):  
M.C. Ranck ◽  
G.F. Liu ◽  
A.A. Solanki ◽  
B. Wenig ◽  
A. Kolokythas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Dissection ◽  
Local Control ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Post Radiation

Does Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Benefit Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy?

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-521
Author(s):  
Susan E. Langmore
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Post Radiation

Purpose This article is a review of the evidence for using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as a treatment for dysphagia when given to head and neck cancer patients with dysphagia secondary to radiation therapy. Method The rationale for using NMES for dysphagia in this population will be summarized. Recent studies will then be reviewed for evidence of efficacy of NMES when given to patients post–radiation therapy or during radiation therapy. Conclusion Evidence to date suggests no benefit from electrical stimulation when used therapeutically postradiotherapy. There are too few studies to date that have looked at NMES during radiotherapy to make any conclusions. Further studies are warranted.

Impact of chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer on swallowing function

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6054-6054
Author(s):  
E. Burke ◽  
L. Goguen ◽  
R. Tishler ◽  
L. Wirth ◽  
M. Posner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Advanced Head ◽  
Swallowing Function ◽  
Pharyngeal Residue ◽  
Feeding Tubes ◽  
Post Radiation ◽  
The Impact

6054 Background: We examined the impact of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on swallowing function in a group of patients treated for locally advanced head and neck cancer in an ongoing randomized phase II study with concurrent CRT, with or without Ethyol. Methods: Chemotherapy consisted of weekly carboplatin AUC 1.5 and paclitaxel at 45 /m2 for 4 weeks. Radiation was delivered using a 3 field technique with a concomitant boost schedule to a total dose of 72 Gy. Patients were randomized to receive or not receive daily subcutaneous Ethyol. Patients had video swallow studies at the start of radiation and 8, 12, 24 and 52 weeks post chemoradiotherapy. Dysphagia and weight loss were monitored. Video swallow study reports were collected and the incidence of penetration, aspiration, pharyngeal residue and upper esophageal narrowing analyzed. Results: Baseline data were available for 31 patients out of 43 enrolled. 29% of the patients penetrated, 6.4% aspirated and 29% had pharyngeal residue. Patients on both arms of the study had a steady decline in swallowing function from onset until 24 weeks post radiation. Penetration, aspiration and pharyngeal residue were consistently noted at all time points and improvements in deglutition were seen on the 52-week post radiation video swallow. Forty percent of the patients (17/43) had narrowing in the upper esophagus. On average, a third of the patients examined required dilations. The remaining patients with esophageal narrowing were able to advance their diet and have their feeding tubes removed without dilations. The average time from the end of the treatment to PEG removal was 219 days. Conclusion: Based on the video swallow studies that were conducted, patients had a gradual decline in swallowing function from initiation of CRT until 24 weeks post. Esophageal narrowing was common, often requiring dilation. Given that it takes 7 months on average for the feeding tubes to come out, we recommend that these patients undergo intensive swallowing therapy and continuous long term follow up and assessment at two and possibly three years post CRT. Study is ongoing. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Salivary and imaging-based biomarkers of radiation therapy-induced xerostomia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Saira Atif ◽  
Norsila Abdul Wahab ◽  
Sarah Ghafoor ◽  
Muhammad Qasim Saeed ◽  
Azlina Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Salivary Protein ◽  
Pathological State ◽  
Protein Biomarkers ◽  
Mouth Dryness ◽  
Post Radiation

Abstract Biomarkers are anatomical characteristics or naturally occurring measurable molecules indicating physiological or pathological state of an individual. These biomarkers have the potential to detect or predict diseases at an early stage which is particularly beneficial in timely management of the common complications of radiation therapy done in head and neck cancer treatment regime. Xerostomia is one of the most common oral complaints of radiation therapy. Saliva has an abundance of protein biomarkers; however, those related to post-radiation therapy xerostomia needs to be explored further. Textural and imaging-based biomarkers are helpful in predicting xerostomia in such patients. This narrative review provides an account of the salivary protein and imaging-based biomarkers of radiation therapy-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. Keywords: chemotherapy, mouth dryness, head and neck cancer, radiotherapy, salivary glands

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