The timed 100 mL water swallow test for patients with head and neck cancer: What constitutes a clinically significant difference?

Objectives: Swallowing function in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is often assessed pre-treatment, during and at intervals post-treatment to identify those with dysphagia as early as possible. This study aims to investigate the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for the 100 mL water swallow test (100 mL WST) to increase its utility in clinical practice and in clinical trials.

Methods: Data from 211 HNC patients, treated by either single or combined modality were included.