Longitudinal Analysis of Swallowing Displacement Kinematics After Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background/Objective Quantitative swallowing displacement kinematics evolve in patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We aimed to longitudinally assess these measurements and correlate them with functional swallowing outcomes. Method A retrospective review was conducted on patients with OPSCC treated with definitive (chemo)radiation ([C]RT) or surgery with adjuvant (chemo)radiation (S‐[C]RT) who completed at least two videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). Longitudinal analysis was accomplished via mixed‐effects logistic regression for the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), and mixed‐effects linear regression for kinematic measures. Spearman's correlation was conducted between changes in FOIS/PAS and kinematic measures. Results Ninety‐seven patients (76 males; mean age 61) completed 245 VFSS studies. A total of 94% had human papillomavirus (HPV)/p16 positive OPSCC and 74% were T0–T2. Sixty‐four patients underwent [C]RT while 33 patients underwent S‐[C]RT. After treatment, posterior pharyngeal wall at hold (PPWhold) increased 3.2 standard deviation (SD) between 0 and 6 months (p < 0.001), then decreased 2.2 SD between 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001) and did not return to baseline. Hyoid‐to‐larynx (HL) (p = 0.046) and maximal hyoid displacement (Hmax) + HL (p = 0.042) increased between 6 and 12 months. Hmax (p = 0.020) and Hmax + HL (p < 0.001) decreased between 12–24 months beyond baseline values. The decrease in HL and increase in PPWhold (p < 0.05) correlated with an increase in PAS. From baseline, increased pharyngeal constriction ratio correlated with decreased FOIS and PPWhold (p < 0.05). Conclusions Quantitative swallowing kinematic measures can effectively track changes in swallowing physiology. Increased PPWhold and restricted hyolaryngeal movement were seen in patients with OPSCC after treatment and correlated with a change in swallowing outcome, emphasizing the need for serial VFSS monitoring and targeted intervention. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1339–1348, 2023