Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation for Speech Disorder

This trial explores a method to assist individuals with speech and swallowing issues following head and neck cancer. The researchers aim to determine if a treatment involving Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation Injection, which plumps up the back of the throat, can alleviate these problems. The trial includes tests to understand the prevalence and severity of this condition and to evaluate new diagnostic tools. Suitable candidates are adults who speak English, have undergone head and neck cancer treatment, and continue to experience a nasal-sounding voice. Participants should not have other causes for their speech issues or require further throat treatment. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance quality of life for many.

Research shows that pharyngeal wall augmentation, a procedure to address speech and swallowing issues, is generally well-tolerated. Studies have found that this procedure can effectively improve speech problems like hypernasality, where speech sounds too nasal. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), a condition causing difficulties with speech and swallowing.

While any medical procedure carries risks, current evidence suggests that complications are rare for this treatment. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it doesn’t involve major surgery, making it a safer option for those seeking relief from VPD-related symptoms.

Researchers are excited about pharyngeal wall augmentation for speech disorders because it offers a targeted solution for individuals with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). Unlike traditional therapies that might involve speech therapy or surgical interventions, this treatment involves a minimally invasive injection that directly addresses the structural issue causing the disorder. By augmenting the pharyngeal wall, it aims to improve speech intelligibility and reduce nasalance, potentially offering quicker and more precise results. This approach could represent a significant advancement in how we treat structural causes of speech disorders.

Research has shown that injections to the back of the throat can improve speech and swallowing for people with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). In this trial, participants will undergo a standardized evaluation, and a subset with confirmed VPD may choose to receive a pharyngeal wall augmentation injection. One study found that these injections reduced nasal-sounding speech in patients with moderate VPD. Another study showed that they also made speech clearer and swallowing easier for adults with VPD. The treatment adds volume to the back wall of the throat, helping to close the gap between the soft palate and throat. This closure is crucial for better speech and swallowing, which can enhance the quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.¹²³⁶⁷