Background: Radiation-associated-dysphagia is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC).
Methods: Seventy-six patients had a weekly prospective follow-up from baseline until one week post-RT. Combined mixed model analysis (n = 43) determined the evolution of self-perceived swallowing function, isometric tongue strength (MIP), tongue strength (TS) during swallowing (Pswal), and quality of life (QoL) in these patients during RT.
Results: Swallowing deteriorated from the third week on, resulting in an increase of tube dependency from 10% at baseline toward 31% post-RT. Both MIP and Pswal are reduced, with anterior MIP decreasing in 29% of patients and posterior MIP in 17%. Pswal decreases for saliva and a bolus swallow. All QoL subscales except "sleep" were affected during RT.
Conclusions: Self-perceived swallowing function, TS and QoL decrease during RT for HNC. Current findings highlight the need for early monitoring of these parameters.
Keywords: head and neck cancer; quality of life; radiotherapy; swallowing; tongue strength.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.