Longitudinal Patterns of Radiation-Associated Dysphagia in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic profile of early (i.e., < 6 months of treatment) and late (i.e., ≥ 6 months of treatment) radiation-associated dysphagia (RAD) in patients with head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods

The literature was queried from inception to July 19, 2024. Outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, aspiration prevalence, pharyngoesophageal stricture rate, and gastric tube presence. Data were collected at various time points from baseline up to 24 months post-treatment; longer-term data beyond 24 months was descriptively summarized. Meta-analysis of continuous measures (mean) and proportions (%) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was performed.

Results

Of 2881 abstracts identified, 99 studies (N = 15 578 patients) were included.

SUBMITTER: Shah AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797004 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature