Abstract Purpose: Dysphagia is a common complication in individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC), especially those undergoing chemo-radiation therapy (CRT). Acute and chronic swallowing impairments impact nutritional status, quality of life, and treatment adherence. Prophylactic swallowing therapy (PST) has been proposed as an effective strategy to prevent or mitigate dysphagia during CRT. The purpose of this study was to address information on the effectiveness of PST in managing dysphagia, identify optimal initiation timing, its benefits on selection and dose of swallowing therapy, and challenges such as adherence. Methods: This study reviewed the literature on PST in HNC patients using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ComDisDome, Thieme Medone Comsci, and JGate for the years 2000–2024. Key search terms included “prophylactic swallowing therapy,” “dysphagia management,” “pre-habilitation,” “preventive swallow exercise,” and “head and neck cancer.” The primary outcomes examined were swallowing function, adherence, and quality of life. Results: Studies support PST’s efficacy in reducing dysphagia severity and improving quality of life in HNC patients, with early initiation before CRT yielding better outcomes. Therapist-supported programs had higher adherence than unsupervised regimens. Despite global advancements, there is a dearth of published studies in the Indian context, necessitating region-specific research to address cultural and healthcare disparities. Conclusions: PST is effective for managing dysphagia in HNC patients undergoing CRT. In order to achieve the best results, the literature emphasizes the significance of early intervention, organized support networks, and customized exercise regimens.
Jain et al. (Tue,) studied this question.