ESTRO 37 Abstract book

ESTRO 37

S360

were functional outcomes: maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, tongue strength (Iowa oral performance instrument, IOPI), mouth opening (Therabite); besides the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS-Videofluoroscopic study) for swallowing severity. Average radiotherapy dose for risk swallowing organs were designed according to the guidelines of the RTOG. Results Thirty-one patients with head and neck cancer were analyzed, 16 in the rehabilitation group after radiotherapy and 15 in the rehabilitation group before radiotherapy. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the baseline characteristics(Tabke 1)

At previus to RT, it is observed significant differences between groups in mouth opening (therabite) (49.33±8.9 in the post-RT group and 51.85±6.17 in the pre-RT group) and in maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) (66.21±16.60 in the post-RT group and 82.38±23.57 in the pre-RT group). At the end of RT, it is slightly observed significant differences between groups in strength tongue (IOPI) (41.77±7.80 in the post-RT group and 50.38±11.26 in the pre-RT group). No others differences are observed between groups.(Figure 1)

Conclusion Patients with choking when drinking before treatment have a higher risk of penetration/aspiration after (CH)RT. The risk increases significantly in case of bilateral neck irradiation and/or T3-T4 tumors. Therefore patients at risk should be referred for baseline (and follow up) VF examination, giving better insight into mechanisms and severity of penetration/aspiration and supporting an optimal treatment choice. PO-0705 Swallowing rehabilitation in patients undergoing head and neck cancer radiotherapy: ReDyOR Trial. P. Foro Arnalot 1 , O. Pera 1 , I. Membrive 1 , J. Martinez- Orfila 2 , S. Nieto 3 , C. Barrera 3 , A. Guillén-Solà 3 , N. Bofill Soler 3 1 Parc de Salut Mar, Radiation Oncology., Barcelona, Spain 2 Parc de Salut Mar, Radiodiagnosis Department, Barcelona, Spain 3 Parc de Salut Mar, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Barcelona, Spain Purpose or Objective Dysphagia is a potentially devastating late toxicity of head and neck radiation therapy, affects up to two thirds of patients undergoing combined chemoradiotherapy. Recent reviews suggest that prophylactic swallowing exercises may improve a range of short- and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine if an early swallowing rehabilitation provides better results on swallowing and functional outcomes. Material and Methods Prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was carried out in Head and Neck Cancer patients. Two arms of rehabilitation: before (pre-RT) and after (post-RT) radiotherapy (the same protocol in both groups). Patients were evaluated: at diagnosis, previously to RT, at the end of radiotherapy and 3-6 months after RT. Main outcomes

As in the preliminary analysis to determine if there were differences between the penetration aspiration score (PAS) between the two groups, we found a trend to improve without reaching significance in the post-RT group. Conclusion Patients starting rehabilitation before radiotherapy get better results in some functional items until end of radiotherapy. In the follow-up after the end of radiotherapy a trend towards improvement in maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, strength tongue and PAS in the post-RT group are