Abstract A082: Stretching towards relief: The Kent-Collins protocol for radiation-induced eustachian tube dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Background: Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or brain tumors, although few effective treatments exist. The Kent-Collins Protocol represents a novel therapeutic option for post-radiotherapy Eustachian tube dysfunction. Case Presentation: The Kent-Collins Protocol was employed in one patient with Eustachian tube dysfunction following fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for HER-2 positive breast cancer with cerebral metastases. The Kent-Collins Protocol provided relief of symptoms (conductive hearing loss, aural fullness, and otalgia) for a range of 5 to 45 minutes. The protocol could be repeated when symptoms returned to provide additional relief. The patient also reported psychological benefit from this protocol, knowing the hearing loss was reversible and not likely to be permanent. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the potential of The Kent-Collins Protocol for the treatment of post-radiotherapy Eustachian tube dysfunction. The protocol is effective, inexpensive, easy to teach, and safe, offering an alternative to invasive therapies currently in existence. Citation Format: Matthew E Kent, Patrick J Colllins, Ayal A Aizer. Stretching towards relief: The Kent-Collins protocol for radiation-induced eustachian tube dysfunction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2023 Oct 19-22; San Diego, California. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A082.