An investigation of taste alteration in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: The changes in taste that are the result of chemotherapy have received little attention in the literature. These changes may cause discomfort, inconvenience and aversion to food with the consequent loss of appetite and the development of anorexia, which have a considerable impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients both during and after treatment. In recent years, international attention has been paid to these topics. METHODS: The alterations to taste caused by chemotherapy are greatly underestimated despite concerns that approximately 75% of patients undergo chemotherapy treatment. Their assessment was carried out by subjective and objective instruments that had as strong limit. The aim of this study was to understand the factors that influence taste disorders in patients undergoing chemotherapy. RESULTS: In our statistical analysis the patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, the phantogeusia and parageusia was the more presents in comparison to others CiTAS classes. Particularly we observed a significant strong presence of patients with low valued of lack of salivation, Nausea and Reduced appetite. Finally there was significant correlation individuated between CiTAS classes and some parameters considered in this study, such as Education level, Gender and chewing problems. Particularly for all CiTAS classes there were significant negative correlations with lack of salivation Nausea and Reduced appetite excluded for Decline in basic taste where there were significant negative correlations only with lack of salivation and Reduced appetite. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study contribute to the international literature by confirming known aspects and focusing on new variables. Further selective studies are needed to better understand the factors related to taste changes, which then could be personalised to resolve this important side effect.