Factors related to oral mucositis or dysgeusia in breast cancer patients undergoing fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide therapy: A single-center, retrospective study

Abstract Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to identify factors contributing to the development of oral mucositis (OM) or dysgeusia. Methods: Between February 2016 and September 2020, 154 female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide were enrolled at our outpatient chemotherapy center. Variables related to the development of OM or dysgeusia were extracted from the patients’ medical records. The severity of OM or dysgeusia was assessed at the end of chemotherapy using a questionnaire designed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Factors significantly correlated with the development of OM included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.07; P = 0.025), number of cycles (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.02-2.51; P = 0.042), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.05-19.51;P = 0.043), mucoprotective agents (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.24-6.45; P= 0.014), and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01-0.60; P= 0.013). Factors significantly correlated with the development of dysgeusia were albumin (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21- 0.998; P = 0.049) and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03- 0.68; P = 0.015). Although not significant, potential prophylactic factors were statins for OM and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for dysgeusia. Conclusions: The identified factors for OM or dysgeusia may help develop strategies to improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.