Research

Precision Diagnostics

Effective Treatment Requires Precision Diagnostics. The ability to effectively manage swallowing disorders depends on diagnostic precision.  Swallowing is typically evaluated using either fluoroscopy, an x-ray movie, or endoscopy.  Both of these tools rely on an experienced clinician interpreting their images.  Without use of reliable, standard rating systems, these interpretations can be subjective and lead to poorer patient outcomes and inadequate communication between clinicians.  Further, research of advanced cancer treatments requires the ability to accurately assess the functional impact of the treatment.  To address these challenges, our lab strives to establish and validate measurement tools to be used in patients with swallowing disorders.  This work has resulted in the development of the DIGEST-FEES tool, which allows swallowing clinicians to reliably rate the safety and efficiency of an individual’s swallow using endoscopic assessment of swallowing.

Endoscopic Evaluation.

Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing.

Collaborator

Katherine A. Hutcheson, PhD
Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Chief, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Director, Research in the Section of Speech Pathology and Audiology. She is the Director of the Voice Center and AUD Fellowship Director, University of Houston

Publications

Starmer HM, Arrese L, Langmore S, et al. Adaptation and Validation of the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: DIGEST-FEES. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2021;64(6):1802-1810. doi:10.1044/2021_JSLHR-21-00014