Risk Factors and Protective Measures for Stomatitis and Dysgeusia in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing FEC Therapy: An Exploratory Retrospective Study

Background: To identify the risk factors associated with stomatitis and dysgeusia in women undergoing FEC therapy for breast cancer and evaluate potential protective measures. Methods: Between February 2016 and September 2020, 154 female breast cancer patients undergoing FEC therapy were enrolled at our outpatient chemotherapy center. Variables related to the development of stomatitis and dysgeusia were extracted from the patients’ medical records. The severity of stomatitis and 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 stomatitis 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 (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 stomatitis and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for dysgeusia. Conclusion: The identified factors for stomatitis and dysgeusia may help develop strategies to improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.