Patterns of dysphagia and acute toxicities in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing helical IMRT ± concurrent chemotherapy

Despite advancements in radiation techniques, results confirm a high proportion of HNC patients experience dysphagia and related toxicities requiring supportive care during H-IMRT. Patients receiving H-IMRT alone experience a lower incidence of symptoms compared with those receiving concurrent chemotherapy. The data confirms the ongoing need for active on treatment monitoring with implications for the timing and intensity of patient support services.