Long-term swallowing outcomes in head and neck cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Swallowing outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy: a long-term follow up
IRAS ID
128046
Contact name
Jo Patterson
Contact email
Research summary
Treatment for head and neck cancer can result in profound and chronic swallowing problems. My previous study was the first UK dataset to investigate changes to the swallowing process over the first year following (chemo)radiotherapy. Assessments included tests of function, to give a clinical indication of the problem and a swallowing specific questionnaire, to represent the patients’ perspective. Results showed that swallowing problems were a top priority concern for patients and their family members. A proportion of patients showed improvement over time as side effects subsided, whereas others deteriorated with the onset of scarring. Little is known about long-term (>24 months) swallowing outcomes. This study aims to explore the long-term swallowing outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. I plan to recruit and re-assess participants from the original study, using the same outcome measures as before. I will then compare these data to their previous dataset. In addition, I will collect information on their health status associated to with swallowing difficulties such as patient reported chest infections and dependency on tube feeding or oral nutritional supplements.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0207
Date of REC Opinion
12 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion