Association of xerostomia and taste alterations of patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy: A cause for nutritional concern.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The symptoms of xerostomia and taste alteration are adverse effects which frequently occur in patients under chemotherapy and once associated they can potentially impair their nutritional status. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of xerostomia and taste alterations in patients being treated by neoplastic chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled to receive neoplastic chemotherapy were followed for their first two chemotherapy cycles for solid tumors and the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS) was adopted. Xerostomia was defined by the presence of dry mouth complaints reported by the patients and signs of hyposalivation identified during the intraoral examination. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, 33 were women, mean age; 61,48 ± 9,07 years, and 17 were men, mean age; 57,35 ± 11,50 years. The most common tumor was located in the breast affecting 15 patients (30%). The Mann-Whitney test showed that the mean scores of CiTAS were significantly higher for those patients who reported having xerostomia when compared with those without xerostomia after the first two chemotherapy cycles. The cofounding variables such as age, smoking habits and use of antidepressants were not statistically associated with taste alterations (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Taste alterations were worse for patients who complained of xerostomia during the first two cycles of antineoplastic chemotherapy and the association of both symptoms can potentially impair their nutritional status and quality of life.

Late Oral Complications Caused by Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Clinical and Laboratory Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of presented cross-sectional and observational study was to determine the prevalence of late oral complications of patients with head and neck cancer who underwent radiotherapy, by clinical and laboratory analyses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients, 43 (78.2%) men and 12 (21.8%) women, mean age 60; range 38 to 87 years, who have completed radiotherapy for head and neck cancer for at least 6 months were enrolled. The presence of xerostomia, hyposalivation, oral candidiasis, and type of oral yeasts were correlated with post-radiotherapy period. A control group, age and gender matched, was used for comparisons. The Pearson's Chi-square or Fischer's exact test was used at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The mean post-radiotherapy period was 32 months. The oral complications found were xerostomia (45/55, [81.8%]), hyposalivation (44/55 [80%]) and oral candidiasis (15/55 [27.2%]). Xerostomia and hyposalivation was statistically higher in the study group when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The presence of yeast occurred in 39 (70.9%) of the patients in the study group, and Candida albicans was the most prevalent etiological agent in 25 (64.1%) of those patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Xerostomia and hyposalivation were the more prevalent late oral complications related to radiotherapy. Oral candidiasis was also observed, although its prevalence was lower. The need for long-term dental follow-up of patients who underwent radiotherapy of the head and neck cancer is mandatory.