Dysphagia, hypothyroidism, and osteoradionecrosis after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Issue 1 (10th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ranta, Pihla; Kytö, Eero; Nissi, Linda; Kinnunen, Ilpo; Vahlberg, Tero; Minn, Heikki; Haapio, Eeva; Nelimarkka, Lassi; Irjala, Heikki
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology. Volume 7:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2021-12-10
• Subjects: dysphagia/swallowing -- neoplasia/malignancy -- radiation therapy; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Laryngoscopy -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology; Otolaryngology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1002/lio2.711
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2378-8038

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To analyze the long‐term side effects of radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: Retrospective chart analysis of all 688 HNC patients treated during 2010–2015 at Turku University Hospital, Finland. All patients who survived for more than a year after RT/chemoRT were included ( n = 233). Intensity modulated RT (IMRT) with standard fractionation was applied in each case. Results: One hundred and six patients (45%) reported persisting dysphagia, for which neck RT increased risk. Definitive neck RT to high‐risk volume did not increase late toxicity risks compared to elective neck RT. Radiation‐induced hypothyroidism (29%, n = 67) was more common among younger patients and females. Osteoradionecrosis (12%, n = 29) was more common in the oral cavity cancer group (20.7%, n = 92) compared to all other subsites. Conclusions: Late toxicities of RT for HNC are common. Age, gender, tumor subsite, and neck RT affect susceptibility to long‐term side effects. Level of evidence: 4.