Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Xerostomia: An easily ignored symptom induced by induction chemotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…However, there was a lack of consensus in the literature that chemotherapy would influence salivary gland function due to the heterogeneity of different cancer types and chemotherapy regimens. [11][12][13] In those with breast cancer, there were 64%-75.4% of patients had a daily experience of xerostomia during adjuvant chemotherapy. 11,12 In patients with other malignant tumors, the prevalence of xerostomia was 49.9% during adjuvant chemotherapy or radical chemotherapy.…”

“…[11][12][13] In those with breast cancer, there were 64%-75.4% of patients had a daily experience of xerostomia during adjuvant chemotherapy. 11,12 In patients with other malignant tumors, the prevalence of xerostomia was 49.9% during adjuvant chemotherapy or radical chemotherapy. 13 In our study, IC-related xerostomia appeared in 61.5% of patients, which was similar to the previous studies.…”

“…6,7 The prevalence of xerostomia during and after adjuvant chemotherapy has been investigated in breast cancer. 11,12 A comprehensive review of four studies showed that the weighted prevalence of xerostomia during adjuvant chemotherapy or radical chemotherapy was 49.9%. 13 In our clinical work, patients with NPC complained of xerostomia at night during IC, which was in an unstimulated state.…”

Salivary Gland Dysfunction Secondary to Cancer Treatment

“…Chemotherapy induced dry mouth is prevalent in 10–80% of patients undergoing treatment, regardless of the type of cancer [ 41 ]. The onset of oral symptoms generally begins in the 7th to the 10th day after the administration of chemotherapy and resolves after completion of chemotherapy, unlike radiotherapy-induced SGD, which persists for years after radiation therapy is completed.…”

“…The onset of oral symptoms generally begins in the 7th to the 10th day after the administration of chemotherapy and resolves after completion of chemotherapy, unlike radiotherapy-induced SGD, which persists for years after radiation therapy is completed. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, dry oral mucosa with consequential oral pseudomembranous candidiasis, halitosis, oral dysesthesia, hypogeusia, and difficulties in chewing, swallowing, and speaking [ 41 ].…”