Predictors of oral mucositis and dysgeusia in breast cancer patients receiving FEC chemotherapy — a retrospective observational study

Introduction. Oral mucositis and dysgeusia are frequent adverse events in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, including impairing quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to identify predictors of these events in patients receiving FEC chemotherapy in an outpatient setting. Material and methods. One hundred fifty-four women were retrospectively analyzed who were receiving FEC chemotherapy at a single outpatient center from February 2016 to September 2020. Severity of mucositis and dysgeusia was assessed at the end of chemotherapy using a patient-reported questionnaire based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression identified significant predictors. Results. Significant predictors for mucositis included age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.07], number of cycles (OR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.02–2.51), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (OR = 4.52; 95% CI 1.05–19.51), mucoprotective agent use (OR = 2.82; 95% CI 1.24–6.45), and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.09; 95% CI 0.01–0.60). For dysgeusia, significant predictors were albumin (OR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.21–0.998) and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.03–0.68). Statins and RAS inhibitors appeared protective but were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Identification of these predictors may guide preventive strategies and supportive care to reduce oral complications and improve QoL in breast cancer patients receiving FEC chemotherapy.