title: Research into the prevention and rehabilitation of dysphagia in head and neck cancer: a UK perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is an increasing recognition of dysphagia as a frequent, often severe and chronic side-effect of head and neck cancer treatment. There has been a global increase in the number of head and neck cancer survivors, increasing the urgency of finding ways to best manage swallowing difficulties.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are several research studies investigating strategies and developing interventions to prevent and treat this debilitating condition. The United Kingdom has a growing number of trials and feasibility studies in this area, which have secured national funding. Research themes include changes, modifications, and de-escalation of cancer treatments to reduce side-effects; interventions to encourage maintenance of eating and drinking and swallowing exercises during radiotherapy; and novel interventions to address post-treatment dysphagia. Research into this field presents with numerous challenges, including issues with recruitment, retention, and adherence to rehabilitation programmes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, we present recent advances in knowledge, research themes, and current UK-based research. Our multicentre studies will facilitate standardization of outcome measures and strengthen multidisciplinary, academic, and international collaborations. Findings over the coming years will help progress our understanding of how best to prevent and manage dysphagia in head and neck cancer.
authors.affiliation: aSpeech and Language Therapy Department, Sunderland City Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, City of Sunderland bInstitute of Health and Society, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne cSpeech and Language Therapy Department, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust dSpeech and Language Therapy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Joanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Grainne C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: Justin W G
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Roe
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom