Global assessment of swallow function (GASF) following VMAT radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This study aimed to conduct a global assessment of swallow function (GASF) using a range of swallow outcome tools, in a cohort of patients pre- and post-treatment with image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy.

All patients receiving radical (chemo)radiation for SCC of the larynx, oro-, hypo- or nasopharynx between October 2016 - 2021 were eligible for inclusion.Patients were treated with VMAT radiotherapy according to institutional and national protocols.Patients underwent GASF pre- and 6 months post-treatment. Data were collated from the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Performance Status Scale-Head and Neck: Normalcy of Diet scale (PSS-NoD), the 100 ml water swallow test (WST) for capacity and maximal interincisal opening (MIO).

One hundred and seventy-five patients were included. 55.2 % of patients experienced a fall in MDADI-Composite score greater than the published meaningful clinical important difference (MCID).A trend for a decrease in FOIS score reflects a decrease in range of diet textures and increase in reliance on enteral feeding at 6 months post-treatment.Mean PSS-NoD score decreased reflecting increased restriction in diet textures.20 patients' WST capacity improved by the minimal clinically important difference of > 4mls whilst 37 % of patients experienced a decrease in WST capacity of 4mls or more. 12.6 % of patients developed trismus following radiotherapy.

This paper adds new detail to the understanding of the decline in measured eating, drinking and swallowing function that patients treated with VMAT radiotherapyexperience at 6 months post treatment. However, gaps are highlighted in the evidence base in terms of interpretation of swallow outcomes tool scores; future research in HNC should include ongoing discussion and development around robust outcomes tools and data collection.