Patient-Reported Dysphagia and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life up to 10 Years After (Chemo)radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

This study sought to better understand patient-reported dysphagia and swallowing-related quality of life (swQOL) in patients 6 months to 10 years following definitive (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, self-reported dysphagia was assessed with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and swQOL with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at a single point in time. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also obtained.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were received from 626 of 962 (65%) patients with various tumor sites, stages, and time since treatment (M = 58 months, range 6-128). Dysphagia (EAT-10 ≥ 3) was reported by 444 patients (71%), and poor swQOL (MDADI < 60) by 138 (22%). Several sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables were significantly associated with dysphagia and poorer swQOL. Outcomes were not associated with time since treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains a high prevalence of dysphagia and poor swQOL up to a decade posttreatment for HNC. This data can help guide survivorship care and lead mitigation strategies to reduce the persistent physical, emotional, and social burden of dysphagia.