Influence of smoking history on the perception of radiation-induced dysgeusia/hypogeusia in patients with head and neck cancer

Objectives This investigation aimed to assess the effect of smoking on the onset and resolution of dysgeusia/hypogeusia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy (XRT). Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort investigation of HNC patients treated with XRT. Data collected from the patients' medical records included demographics, primary cancer diagnoses, HNC therapeutic modalities, smoking status, and dates of onset/resolution of dysgeusia/hypogeusia. Results A 103 met inclusion criteria, of which 61.8% developed dysgeusia/hypogeusia. Mean age was 58.3 +/- 12.9 and 66% were either former or current smokers. Never smokers seemed to be at higher, but statistically insignificant, the risk for developing dysgeusia/hypogeusia than former or current smokers [HR 1.05 and 1.66; 95% CI (0.60, 1.84) and (0.85, 3.24)]. They were also less likely to recover when compared to former smokers [HR 0.74; 95% CI (0.39, 1.39)]. Although statistically insignificant, never smokers showed rapid dysgeusia/hypogeusia onset after XRT compared to former or current smokers (median 14 days versus 22 and 9 days, respectively; p = 0.25). Never smokers showed quicker but statistically insignificant, recovery time compared to former or current smokers (median 113 days versus 149 and 238 days, respectively; p = 0.57). Conclusion Although results lacked statistical significance, never smokers receiving XRT were prone to higher risk and faster onset of dysgeusia/hypogeusia than former and current smokers.