Radiation-Induced Dysphagia in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Background: Dysphagia is a well-recognized sequela of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors, with nearly half of patients experiencing swallowing impairment. Radiation-induced fibrosis, edema, and neuromuscular dysfunction reduce tissue elasticity and impair pressure generation during swallowing, contributing to long-term functional decline. High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry (HRPM) offers objective, region-specific pressure measurement that may detect subtle physiological changes earlier than conventional methods.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of radiation therapy on pharyngeal swallowing pressures in adults with head and neck cancer by comparing measurements obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.
Methods: The study will utilize a longitudinal, prospective cohort design. Participants will undergo clinical assessment and serial evaluations using HRPM. Swallowing tasks will include standard thin liquid and puree boluses. Time elapsed following administration of radiation therapy is the independent variable. Dependent variables include pharyngeal lumen occlusive pressures, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation metrics, and hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA will be used to assess changes in swallowing pressures over time.
Expected Outcomes: It is hypothesized that participants will demonstrate a progressive reduction in pharyngeal swallowing pressures, as measured by HRPM, following radiation therapy relative to their pre-treatment baseline.
Conclusions/Significance: Findings may identify early biomarkers of radiation-induced dysphagia and support the development of standardized HRPM protocols. By providing quantitative insight into swallowing biomechanics, this study may enhance early detection of dysphagia and guide targeted intervention to improve long-term functional outcomes.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Rachel Johnson, PhD
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
"Johnson, Rachel K."
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
EDUC Communication Disorders and Special Education
College/School Affiliation
Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Radiation-Induced Dysphagia in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Background: Dysphagia is a well-recognized sequela of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors, with nearly half of patients experiencing swallowing impairment. Radiation-induced fibrosis, edema, and neuromuscular dysfunction reduce tissue elasticity and impair pressure generation during swallowing, contributing to long-term functional decline. High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry (HRPM) offers objective, region-specific pressure measurement that may detect subtle physiological changes earlier than conventional methods.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of radiation therapy on pharyngeal swallowing pressures in adults with head and neck cancer by comparing measurements obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.
Methods: The study will utilize a longitudinal, prospective cohort design. Participants will undergo clinical assessment and serial evaluations using HRPM. Swallowing tasks will include standard thin liquid and puree boluses. Time elapsed following administration of radiation therapy is the independent variable. Dependent variables include pharyngeal lumen occlusive pressures, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation metrics, and hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA will be used to assess changes in swallowing pressures over time.
Expected Outcomes: It is hypothesized that participants will demonstrate a progressive reduction in pharyngeal swallowing pressures, as measured by HRPM, following radiation therapy relative to their pre-treatment baseline.
Conclusions/Significance: Findings may identify early biomarkers of radiation-induced dysphagia and support the development of standardized HRPM protocols. By providing quantitative insight into swallowing biomechanics, this study may enhance early detection of dysphagia and guide targeted intervention to improve long-term functional outcomes.