Salivary gland hypofunction in patients with advanced cancer

There is relatively little data on salivary gland hypofunction (SGH) in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of the current study was to investigate the epidemiology, aetiology, and clinical features of SGH in this group of patients. The protocol involved completion of standard proforma, completion of a Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, measurement of unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR), and measurement of stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSFR). One hundred and twenty patients participated in the study. Ninety-eight (82%) patients had an abnormally low UWSFR, whilst 50 (42%) patients had an abnormally low SWSFR. One hundred and seventeen (97.5%) patients were receiving prescribed medications that are known to cause SGH. There was an association between UWSFR and xerostomia, oral discomfort, dysphonia and dysphagia. Similarly, there was an association between SWSFR and xerostomia, oral discomfort, and dysphagia. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that SGH is a common problem in patients with advanced cancer. Moreover, it often results in significant morbidity.