Intensive Swallowing Rehabilitation for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors With Chronic Dysphagia: Outcomes From a Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study With 6-Month Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND

Chronic dysphagia persists in some head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors despite preventive exercises, negatively impacting quality of life. Evidence for effective rehabilitation strategies remains limited.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 34 HNC survivors (≥ 1 year post-treatment) who completed a 3-week intensive swallowing rehabilitation (ISR) program (15 sessions, 60 min/day). Outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2) using patient-rated (VAS, MDADI, PSS-HN), clinician-rated (food level, AUS-TOM), and objective swallowing outcomes (MSS, MSV, TOMASS).

RESULTS

ISR was feasible and safe (92% completion, no adverse events). Patient-rated and most clinician-rated outcomes improved significantly post-ISR and remained stable at 6 months (VAS: p < 0.001; PSS-HN: p < 0.001; food level: p = 0.002). MDADI and AUS-TOM for solids further improved at follow-up. Objective swallowing tests showed no clinically relevant change.

CONCLUSION

ISR effectively improves normalcy of diet and quality of life in HNC survivors with chronic dysphagia, with benefits sustained at 6 months.