Abstract
The current standard for the treatment of oropharynx cancers is radiation therapy. However, patients are frequently left with dysphagia characterized by penetration-aspiration (impaired safety) and residue (impaired efficiency). Although thickened liquids are commonly used to manage dysphagia, we lack evidence to guide the modification of liquids for clinical benefit in the head and neck cancer population. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of slightly and mildly thick liquids on penetration-aspiration and residue in 12 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who displayed penetration-aspiration on thin liquid within 3 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Significantly fewer instances of penetration-aspiration were seen with slightly and mildly thick liquids as compared with thin (P < .05). No differences were found across stimuli in the frequency of residue. Patients with oropharyngeal cancers who present with post–radiation therapy dysphagia involving penetration-aspiration on thin liquids may benefit from slightly and mildly thick liquids without risk of worse residue.
Highlights
The current standard for the treatment of oropharynx cancers is radiation therapy
In comparison with previous evidence of aspiration reduction with extremely thick liquids, which are disliked by many patients,[15] this study shows potential to achieve safe swallowing with minimal thickening
We investigated the impact of thickened liquids in patients with oropharynx cancers with penetration-aspiration on thin liquids
Summary
Patients are frequently left with dysphagia characterized by penetration-aspiration (impaired safety) and residue (impaired efficiency). Thickened liquids are commonly used to manage dysphagia, we lack evidence to guide the modification of liquids for clinical benefit in the head and neck cancer population. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of slightly and mildly thick liquids on penetration-aspiration and residue in 12 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who displayed penetrationaspiration on thin liquid within 3 to 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. Patients with oropharyngeal cancers who present with post–radiation therapy dysphagia involving penetration-aspiration on thin liquids may benefit from slightly and mildly thick liquids without risk of worse residue. We explored the effectiveness of smaller degrees of thickening for improving swallowing safety without exacerbating residue, using slightly and mildly thick liquids as defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.[26]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
