Results from a phase III trial have suggested that a precision radiotherapy technique could become the new gold standard for treating head and neck cancer patients. The study compared dysphagia-optimized intensity-modulated radiotherapy (DO-IMRT) with standard IMRT and found that DO-IMRT significantly reduced the risk of swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, without compromising treatment success.
Dysphagia is a common side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, often requiring patients to rely on permanent feeding tubes. DO-IMRT lowers the risk of dysphagia by minimizing radiation to the pharyngeal muscles, which are essential for swallowing.
One patient, Ian McAllister, who underwent dysphagia-optimized radiotherapy at The Royal Marsden, reported positive results. Despite being diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, the latest scan showed no evidence of cancer. He commented on his experience and said, “Thanks to this optimized radiotherapy and support from dieticians and speech and language therapists at The Royal Marsden, I can now play golf without trouble swallowing and have confidence in my rehabilitation.”
The study’s lead author, Professor Chris Nutting, stressed the significance of these results. He stated, “This targeted form of radiotherapy can spare the swallowing muscles of patients without compromising their treatment success. By implementing this practice, we hope to improve the quality of life for more head and neck cancer patients.”
The treatment approach involves oncologists and physicists dedicating additional time to designing treatment plans tailored specifically to the tumor’s location and size. A computer then plans the dose and route, converting the radiation into smaller, more precise beams to protect the throat when possible.
Professor Justin Roe, joint head of the Department of Speech, Voice, and Swallowing at The Royal Marsden, emphasized the impact of dysphagia on patients’ lives. He said, “Many patients with head and neck cancer struggle with swallowing problems during and following treatment. This can lead to depression, isolation, malnutrition, dehydration, and respiratory complications. It has been a privilege to be part of this study, and I hope more patients can benefit from tailored radiotherapy in the future.”
Professor Emma Hall, Co-Director of the Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research, highlighted the importance of maintaining patients’ ability to eat and drink normally after treatment. She said, “Our trial has demonstrated that it is possible to minimize damage to key muscles and structures involved in swallowing, thereby enabling patients to continue enjoying their meals and drinks after therapy.”
Martin Ledwick, Cancer Research UK’s head nurse, expressed optimism for the future. He emphasized the need for interventions that not only work effectively but also improve patients’ quality of life. Ledwick stated, “These promising results could make life after treatment brighter for head and neck cancer patients, and we look forward to seeing this kinder form of radiotherapy become available in clinics.”
The results of this study offer hope for head and neck cancer patients by providing an innovative treatment option that reduces the risk of dysphagia while maintaining treatment efficacy. With further implementation and research, this new gold standard in radiotherapy could significantly improve patients’ quality of life post-treatment.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
