Dysphonia after treatment for laryngeal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Dysphonia after treatment for laryngeal cancer. A qualitative study exploring the impact on patients and attitudes to rehabilitation.
IRAS ID
332213
Contact name
Diane Sellstrom
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Cancer in the voice box (larynx) and its treatment often cause changes to how a patient’s voice sounds. This is called dysphonia and it is assessed by speech and language therapists (SLT) who can offer advice, support and rehabilitation. Dysphonia can affect how someone is able to communicate, potentially impacting on the ability to socialise with friends and family, as well continuing in employment. Currently there is no agreement among healthcare professionals (HCP) regarding when might be the best time to offer rehabilitation. Nor is their agreement on what kind of rehabilitation strategies are most effective.
There is a general feeling among head and neck cancer (HNC) specialists, that when patients are offered rehabilitation, uptake is low but the reasons for this are unclear.
Existing studies evaluating voice quality after laryngeal cancer use questionnaire-based patient-reported outcome measures or sometimes incorporate an assessment of voice quality which may be rated by the healthcare professional or by the patient. This data is useful but provides limited information about how living with dysphonia affects everyday life.
The proposed study plans to explore the impact of living with dysphonia and patients perceptions of voice rehabilitation through 1:1 semi-structured interviews. Findings will deepen understanding and aid HCP to better support this under-researched patient group. In addition, it is anticipated results may inform future studies regarding efficacy of cancer treatment and voice rehabilitation.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0044
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion