Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Sensation: Cancer Survivor Cohort

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Laryngeal sensation as measured by elicitation of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR).

II. To compare the elicitation of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) threshold/probability to the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS).

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess patient-reported laryngeal sensation (PRLS) following stimulus and perceptual strength.

II. To assess laryngopharyngeal responses (e.g., cough, gag, swallow) following stimulus.

III. To assess patient reported outcomes (PROs).

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES:

I. To compare the elicitation of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) threshold/probability to:

• modified barium swallow (MBS) study kinematics;
• MBS Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (MBS DIGEST);
• MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory patient reported outcomes measure (MDADI PROMs);
• Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (DIGEST-FEES)
• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (FEES VASES).

OUTLINE:

Participants receiving care at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for an existing laryngopharyngeal disorder resulting from previous radiation or other cancer treatments will undergo laryngopharyngeal sensory testing at a single visit. There will be up to 2 years of medical record follow up after completing the main study. Data collected from this separate cohort may be compared with historical data collected in a previous study (NCT05158179).

Inclusion criteria

• Age <=18 years.
• Individuals without a laryngopharyngeal disorder (health controls) or with a laryngopharyngeal disorder. Laryngopharyngeal disorder includes but is not limited to: presbylarynx, aspiration; spasmodic dysphonia; globus pharynges; vocal fold paralysis; iatrogenic injury to the larynx; muscle tension dysphonia; neurogenic dysphagia; laryngeal sensory neuropathy; and laryngopharyngeal disorders resulting from prior radiation therapy in individuals with a history of head and neck cancer who have completed radiation therapy as primary or adjuvant cancer treatment
• Ability and willingness to comply with study procedures.
• Ability to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.

Exclusion criteria

• Non-English speaking.
• Laryngopharyngeal structures are not accessible on exam.
• Known contraindication to any study-related procedure, or history of being unable to tolerate laryngoscopy.
• Vocal fold immobility or severe hypomobility on adduction.
• For head and neck cancer survivors only: Currently undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (i.e., primary/adjuvant radiation therapy treatment plan is not yet completed).