Long-term swallowing-related outcomes in oral cancer patients receiving proactive swallowing therapy.

[OBJECTIVES] The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of proactive swallowing rehabilitation on swallowing function and quality of life (QoL) in oral cancer patients in the first two years after definitive treatment.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Consecutive adult patients with locally advanced oral cancer who received radical surgery, free flap reconstruction, and adjuvant radiotherapy were recruited prospectively, to whom proactive swallowing rehabilitation was provided. Body weight (BW); fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), functional oral intake scale (FOIS), and diet level; 10-item eating assessment tool (EAT-10), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI); and adherence at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were evaluated.

[RESULTS] A total of 104 patients were included during May 2018 to July 2020. Compared to the baseline, significant deterioration in BW, FOIS, and MDADI was noted at one month. However, a trend of recovery was observed in FOIS from one month, and in BW and MDADI from three months. A total of 94% patients were free of tube feeding at 12 months but with a diet requiring special preparations or compensation. Safe swallowing could be achieved in approximately 90% of the participants after six months with diet modification or compensatory maneuvers. BW at 18 and 24 months did not differ significantly from baseline.

[CONCLUSION] Proactive swallowing therapy is feasible for patients with locally advanced oral cancer receiving definitive treatments. It facilitates safe oral intake and adequate nutrition. Patients who performed swallowing exercises had a faster and better recovery in swallowing function and swallowing-related QoL.