Analysis of Swallowing Functional Preservation by Surgical Versus CRT After Induction Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Objectives

This retrospective observational study investigated to determine whether surgery or chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy leads to better swallow function for oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Methods

We documented the treatment paths and results of 267 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). By quantifying nasogastric (NG) tube usage, surgery after induction chemotherapy (IC-surgery), and chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy (IC-CRT) could be compared to determine the effectiveness of each. Cancer stages were also recorded concerning treatment options. The differences in NG tube usage IC-surgery and IC-CRT groups were compared. The NG tube dependence rates were also presented.

Results

The prognosis and tube dependence differed significantly between the two groups. The IC-surgery had a better prognosis compared to IC-CRT for oropharyngeal cancer. The findings indicated that NG tube dependence was greater in advanced tumor stage 4 compared to stages 1-3, and NG tube dependence rates were higher for patients who underwent chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy. Swallowing function was better in the IC-surgery group compared to the IC-CRT group.

Conclusions

Higher NG tube retention rates and NG dependence are found in OPSCC patients who choose CRT as their treatment and also in the advanced-stage group.