The effect of carbon ion therapy on swallowing function in patients with recurrent head and neck tumors and exploration of rehabilitation nursing measures

Recurrent head and neck tumors pose significant challenges in treatment, often leading to impaired swallowing function and severely affecting patients' quality of life. Carbon ion therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality for these cases. This study aims to investigate the impact of carbon ion therapy on swallowing function in patients with recurrent head and neck tumors and explore effective rehabilitation nursing measures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 92 patients with head and neck tumors who underwent carbon ion therapy between March 2020 and June 2024. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and swallowing function were assessed using both objective and subjective measures. Swallowing function was evaluated at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. A standardized rehabilitation nursing protocol was implemented, and its effectiveness was analyzed based on patient compliance. The cohort comprised 66.1% male and 33.9% female patients, with a mean age of 53.2 years. Carbon ion therapy was the primary treatment modality (32.3%), followed by various combination treatments. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (16.1%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (12.9%) were the most common diagnoses. Post-treatment swallowing function assessments revealed significant changes, including increased oral and pharyngeal transit times, higher rates of penetration and aspiration, and decreased quality of life scores. Factors associated with more severe swallowing impairments included tumor site, advanced T stage, higher radiation doses, and longer treatment durations. Patients with high compliance to the rehabilitation nursing protocol demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of pharyngeal transit time, quality of life scores, and return to total oral diet at 3-month follow-up. Carbon ion therapy demonstrates significant effects on swallowing function in patients with recurrent head and neck tumors. While some functional deterioration is observed immediately post-treatment, partial recovery occurs within the first 3 months. Tailored rehabilitation nursing strategies play a crucial role in optimizing functional outcomes, with early initiation and high compliance associated with better swallowing function recovery.