Journal Reviews

American Journal of Otolaryngology cover image.

Prophylactic gastrostomy tubes in advance of chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck malignancies – are they worthwhile?

2 September 2022 | | Head and Neck | Chemoradiation, Head and neck cancer, Prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, Tube dependence, Weight loss

It is well recognised that radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancers can significantly affect swallowing, especially if radiotherapy is delivered to the hypopharynx and/or both sides of the neck. As such, prophylactic gastrostomy tubes are often advocated in...

Are there benefits of prophylactic swallowing exercises for patients with head and neck cancer?

1 November 2017 | | Chemoradiation, Dysphagia, Prophylactic exercises, Quality of life, Swallowing

This randomised controlled trial aimed to establish the impact of prophylactic swallowing exercises in patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The primary outcome was the functional oral intake scale (FOIS), although secondary measures for feeding tube use,...