The Impact of Time After Radiation Treatment on Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Enrolled in a Swallowing Therapy Program

Abstract

Background

Swallowing dysfunction after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can be devastating. A randomized control trial compared swallow exercises versus exercise plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy and found no overall difference in outcomes.

Methods

Quality of life, diet, and swallowing variables collected at discrete intervals on 117 patients were re-analyzed to test the hypothesis that shorter time between completion of radiation therapy and beginning the swallowing therapy program yielded improved outcomes.

Results

At baseline, subjects less than 1 year post radiation had significantly better function than subjects more than 2 years post RT in several measures. Over the therapy program, the early group showed significant improvement in diet and QOL. Swallowing physiology variables showed no difference between groups.

Conclusions

Beginning a swallowing therapy program within one year of completion of radiation therapy demonstrates more consistent improvement in quality of life and diet performance compared to later time periods.