Swallowing Rehabilitation in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy
Swallowing Rehabilitation in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy
Head and neck cancer has a negative impact in swallowing function and quality of life.
 Rehabilitation has proven its usefulness after radiation therapy (RT), but some studies
 suggest that interventions should be initiated prior to RT sessions. This study aims to
 evaluate the effects of prophylactic rehabilitation on swallowing and quality of life. The
 study pretends to establish a preventive rehabilitative program with the target of reducing
 RT side effects and improve patients' quality of life.
Head and neck cancer has a negative impact in swallowing function and quality of life.
 Although current diagnostic and therapeutic protocols try to preserve swallowing and
 speaking, acute or late dysphagia as well as a poor quality of life are frequent in these
 patients.

 Some studies have reported an improvement in swallowing function after an exercise based
 intervention following radiation therapy (RT), regardless the need of concomitant
 chemotherapy (RT-QT). Other studies focus the interest in the use of prophylactic exercises
 to prevent or minimize post-swallowing dysfunction.

 Patients receiving RT or RT-QT refer worsening of their quality of life, especially during
 the first days after treatment. One study suggests that rehabilitation prior to cancer
 treatment could potentially improve quality of life. However, this observation should be
 contrasted with a randomized study.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Candidates to surgical treatment

 -  Previous head and neck cancer

 -  Dysphagia due to causes other than cancer

 -  Previous head or neck radiation therapy.