Retrospective Review of Swallowing Outcomes for Oropharynx and Larynx Patients after Chemoradiation

Summary: We conducted a retrospective review of oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients who were treated with chemoradiation with curative intent at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) from 2019-2022. Retrospective review of swallowing outcomes at UIHC indicates that dysphagia worsens in oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer patients in the months immediately following chemoradiation, where patients experience more self-perceived issues with swallowing and have higher degrees of penetration and aspiration. Laryngeal cancer patients have higher degrees of penetration and aspiration than oropharyngeal cancer patients at baseline.