Volatile sulfur compounds and salivary parameters in patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment: A preliminary study - 21/11/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.102158

Juliana Maria Braga Sclauser ^a, Karolina Skarlet Silva Viana ^a, José Alcides Almeida de Arruda ^b, Alessandro Oliveira de Jesus ^a, Meiriane Cristina Faria Soares Lima ^c, Arnoldo Mafra ^d, Lucas Guimarães Abreu ^e, Patrícia Carlos Caldeira ^a, Ricardo Alves Mesquita ^a,^⁎ , Tânia Mara Pimenta Amaral ^a
^a Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, room 3105, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
^b Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
^c Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
^d Luxemburgo Hospital, Mario Penna Institute, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
^e Department of Child and Adolescent Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

^⁎Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Background

Treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is often associated with various adverse effects, including changes in salivary parameters and complaints of halitosis. This study aimed to investigate changes in volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels and salivary parameters in patients undergoing treatment for HNSCC.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a Brazilian oncology center, where a convenience sample of 24 HNSCC patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were evaluated for VSC levels, salivary flow, pH, viscosity, dry mouth, and tongue coating. Assessments were performed at the beginning and end of antineoplastic therapy. VSC levels were measured using an Oral Chroma™ gas chromatograph. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically.

Results

No significant changes were found in overall VSC levels. However, a statistically significant reduction in salivary flow (p < 0.001) and pH (p = 0.017) and an increase in salivary viscosity (p = 0.037) were noted post-treatment. Patients who reported halitosis after treatment exhibited significantly higher hydrogen sulfide levels (p = 0.045). Tongue coating and VSC levels showed no significant changes.

Conclusion

Treatment for HNSCC results in reduced salivary flow, altered pH, and increased salivary viscosity. Although self-reported halitosis correlates with elevated hydrogen sulfide levels post-treatment, no significant changes in overall VSC concentrations were observed.

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Graphical abstract

Image, graphical abstract

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Highlights

•	Chemoradiotherapy can influence the patient's self-perception of halitosis.
•	Salivary parameters are also affected by the treatment.
•	Salivary flow is significantly reduced following treatment.
•	H₂S is increased among individuals with halitosis self-report after treatment.