The role of the speech and language therapist in the rehabilitation of speech, swallowing, voice and trismus in people diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can have a significant impact on physical and psychosocial wellbeing. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is critical to reduce the potential acute, long-term and late effects of treatment by optimising function at baseline, supporting people during treatment and with rehabilitation post treatment. The key focus for speech and language therapists is to support the holistic needs of people with a focus on speech, swallowing, voice and mouth opening. Effective management is reliant on working with MDT members and interventions are implemented against the background of robust multidimensional baseline evaluation. There have been significant advances in treatment modalities for both primary and recurrent HNC. These include highly conformal radiotherapy modalities, including: image-guided radiotherapy; parotid-sparing and dysphagia-optimised intensity-modulated radiotherapy; and the introduction of intensity-modulated proton therapy, as well as immunotherapy, transoral robotic surgery and surgery with advanced reconstructive techniques. Such treatment advances coupled with a changing patient demographic means that people with HNC are now living longer. However, this is not always without consequences and late treatment effects are a new challenge facing MDTs, requiring high levels of support and rehabilitation.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Recurrent Tumors of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract (RECUT): An International Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgical treatment for residual, recurrent, and new primary head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields, with limited evidence for its oncological effectiveness. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive cases performed in 16 high-volume international centers before August 2018 was conducted (registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT04673929] as the RECUT study). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, disease-specific survivals (DSS), and local control (LC) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, with subgroups compared using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards modeling for multivariable analysis. Maximally selected rank statistics determined the cut point for closest surgical resection margin based on LC. RESULTS: Data for 278 eligible patients were analyzed, with median follow-up of 38.5 months. Two-year and 5-year outcomes were 69.0% and 62.2% for LC, 71.8% and 49.8% for OS, 47.2% and 35.7% for disease-free survival, and 78.7% and 59.1% for disease-specific survivals. The most discriminating margin cut point was 1.0 mm; the 2-year LC was 80.9% above and 54.2% below or equal to 1.0 mm. Increasing age, current smoking, primary tumor classification, and narrow surgical margins (≤1.0 mm) were statistically significantly associated with lower OS. Hemorrhage with return to theater was seen in 8.1% (n = 22 of 272), and 30-day mortality was 1.8% (n = 5 of 272). At 1 year, 10.8% (n = 21 of 195) used tracheostomies, 33.8% (n = 66 of 195) used gastrostomies, and 66.3% (n = 53 of 80) had maintained or improved normalcy of diet scores. CONCLUSIONS: Data from international centers show TORS to treat head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields yields favorable outcomes for LC and survival. Where feasible, TORS should be considered the preferred surgical treatment in the salvage setting.

Changing paradigms in the treatment of residual/recurrent head and neck cancer: implications for dysphagia management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite advances in head and neck cancer treatment provision, recurrence rates remain high with the added risk of successfully treated patients developing a second primary. We report on the management of dysphagia in the context of residual/recurrent or new disease in a preirradiated field and make suggestions for future research. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been numerous developments in treatment options for people with residual/recurrent head and neck cancer. This is because of improved surgical interventions including microvascular reconstruction techniques and transoral robotic surgery. In the era of highly conformal radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), there may be opportunities for re-irradiation. These advancements are now increasingly employed in the context of locoregionally recurrent disease. With results being reported from an increasing number of clinical trials, systemic therapies, including treatment with immunotherapy, offer the potential for increased survival with less treatment-related toxicity. SUMMARY: Dysphagia is recognized as a significant toxicity following radical surgical and radiation-based approaches, particularly when multimodal treatment is required. Increasingly, late radiation-associated dysphagia is gaining greater attention in the literature. Many patients presenting with residual and recurrent disease do so against a background of comorbidities as well as persistent and late treatment-related toxicity.

Using experience-based co-design to improve the pre-treatment care pathway for people diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have highlighted that people diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) have complex information needs. They are subject to multiple clinical appointments with numerous healthcare professionals in preparation for their treatment. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are core members of the HNC multidisciplinary team, providing assessment, prehabilitation and counselling regarding potential treatment effects on the critical functions, including swallowing and communication. We believed the purpose of the pre-treatment speech-language therapy (SLT) consultation within this pathway is not well understood by patients. Whilst the benefits of prophylactic swallowing exercise prescriptions continue to be explored, adherence is a frequently cited challenge in clinical trials. We sought to enhance pre-treatment dysphagia services for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiation. METHODS: A participatory action research approach called experience-based co-design (EBCD) was undertaken at a tertiary cancer hospital in the UK. People who had previous radical radiation treatment for head and neck cancer and staff members within the head and neck unit were recruited to take part in in-depth, one-to-one interviews about their experiences of the pre-treatment SLT head and neck radiation clinic. Patient interviews were video-recorded, analysed and edited down to a 30 min 'trigger' film. At a subsequent patient feedback event, the film was shown and an 'emotional mapping' exercise was undertaken. Through facilitated discussion, patient priorities for change were agreed and recorded. At a staff feedback event, key themes from the staff interviews were discussed and priority areas for change identified. The project culminated in a joint patient and staff event where the film was viewed, experiences shared and joint priorities for change agreed. Task and finish groups were developed to implement these changes. RESULTS: Seven patients and seven staff members participated. All seven patients had undergone radical (chemo-) radiation for HNC. At least 2 months had elapsed since their final treatment date and all participants were within 9 months of their definitive treatment. Staff members comprised a radiation oncologist, two clinical nurse specialists, two head and neck dietitians and two speech-language therapists. Patients reported that overall, their experience of the pre-treatment clinic is positive. Patients value experienced staff, consistency of staff and the messages they provide and a team approach. Patients highlighted the need for different information methods including online/digital information resources and further information regarding the longer-term effects of treatment. Patients valued the purposes of prophylactic exercises and again advocated for supporting resources to be available in a range of online/digital media. Staff members raised the need for flexibility in appointment times and clearer messaging as to the rationale for a pre-treatment SLT appointment, including a rebranding of the SLT service. Seven key areas for improvement were identified jointly by patients and staff members including revision of patient and carer information, development of a patient experience video, information on timelines for recovery, a buddy system for patients before, during and after treatment, flexibility of appointment scheduling, seamless transfer of care between settings and SLT department rebranding. Joint patient and staff task and finish groups were initiated to work on these seven priority areas. CONCLUSIONS: We have worked in partnership with patients to co-design pre-treatment dysphagia services which are accessible and meet the individuals' needs. Task and finish groups are ongoing with staff and patients are working together to address priority areas for change. This work provides a good example for other centres who may wish to engage in similar activities.

An investigation of the prevalence of swallowing difficulties and impact on quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia can occur in advanced lung cancer due to direct tumour invasion or nerve compression. Anti-cancer treatments and co-morbid conditions may also cause or compound dysphagic symptoms. Speech and language therapy (SLT), medical and surgical interventions are available to address dysphagic symptoms in patients with lung cancer, however, management options are not described in national guidelines. Given the potentially short prognoses for patients with lung cancer, the aim of care should be to reduce symptom burden and maximise quality of life (QOL). Central to that aim is the identification and treatment of swallowing difficulties. PURPOSE: This study sought to identify the prevalence and impact of dysphagia on QOL in patients with advanced lung cancer. METHODS: A single-site, prospective, exploratory study was undertaken. Previously validated patient-reported outcome measures of swallowing were used to identify the presence and impact of dysphagia on QOL: EAT-10 assessment and the SWAL-QOL assessment. RESULTS: Seventy-two participants were recruited with 18.1% identified as having dysphagia on completion of the EAT-10 assessment. On further evaluation using the SWAL-QOL, compromised quality of life was noted with increased fatigue and meal time duration, difficulties with food selection and reduced eating desire. Frequent throat clearing, coughing and perceived pharyngeal stasis were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia is a potential symptom in advanced lung cancer which may impact QOL. Patients, carers and healthcare professionals should be aware of this so that early referral to SLT can be expedited. More robust prevalence and interventional studies are required to inform optimal management of this distressing condition.

Research into the prevention and rehabilitation of dysphagia in head and neck cancer: a UK perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is an increasing recognition of dysphagia as a frequent, often severe and chronic side-effect of head and neck cancer treatment. There has been a global increase in the number of head and neck cancer survivors, increasing the urgency of finding ways to best manage swallowing difficulties. RECENT FINDINGS: There are several research studies investigating strategies and developing interventions to prevent and treat this debilitating condition. The United Kingdom has a growing number of trials and feasibility studies in this area, which have secured national funding. Research themes include changes, modifications, and de-escalation of cancer treatments to reduce side-effects; interventions to encourage maintenance of eating and drinking and swallowing exercises during radiotherapy; and novel interventions to address post-treatment dysphagia. Research into this field presents with numerous challenges, including issues with recruitment, retention, and adherence to rehabilitation programmes. SUMMARY: In this study, we present recent advances in knowledge, research themes, and current UK-based research. Our multicentre studies will facilitate standardization of outcome measures and strengthen multidisciplinary, academic, and international collaborations. Findings over the coming years will help progress our understanding of how best to prevent and manage dysphagia in head and neck cancer.

Contemporary management of voice and swallowing disorders in patients with advanced lung cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advanced lung cancer can cause changes to swallowing and communication function. Direct tumour invasion, dyspnoea and deconditioning can all impact on swallowing function and communication. Cancer treatment, if administered, may cause or compound symptoms. In this study, the nature of swallowing and communication difficulties in patients with advanced lung cancer will be discussed, and management options including medical management, speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention, and surgical interventions will be considered. RECENT FINDINGS: Advanced lung cancer can result in voice and swallowing difficulties, which can increase symptom burden and significantly impact on quality of life (QOL). There is a growing evidence base to support the use of injection laryngoplasty under local anaesthetic to offer immediate improvement in voice, swallowing and overall QOL. SUMMARY: There is limited literature on the nature and extent of voice and swallowing impairment in patients with lung cancer. Well designed studies with robust and sensitive multidimensional dysphagia and dysphonia assessments are required. Outcome studies examining interventions with clearly defined treatment goals are required. These studies should include both functional and patient-reported outcome measures to develop the evidence base and to ensure that interventions are both timely and appropriate.