Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the preservation of eating and swallowing function following the use of superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancers. Materials and Methods: Among the 96 Patients receiving concomitant radiation and intra-arterial docetaxel, systemic cisplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy, the videofluoroscopic and videoendoscopy findings and results of a questionnaire were evaluated. Results A Videofluoroscopic examination revealed an improved swallow function in 2 of 13, no change in 4, slightly worse in 5 and worse in 2 patients. Following treatment, the incidence of aspiration increased in four patients. Videoendoscopy revealed a residual of vallecula in few cases. Most of the patients were able to swallow after chemoradiation. The questionnaire results showed that the eating and swallowing functions were well preserved in almost 80% of the patients. Conclusion: The new chemoradiation protocol is thus considered to be equivalent to the other treatment modalities for maintaining the functions of eating and swallowing.
