Subjective taste and smell changes in treatment-naive people with solid tumours

Purpose Taste and smell changes (TSCs) are common in head and neck (H&N) cancer and during and after chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). It is an area that has been under investigated, particularly in the treatment-naive, but can negatively impact nutritional status. This study examined the prevalence, severity and characteristics of TSCs in people with non-H&N solid tumours, before CT and RI, and their relationship with co-occurring symptoms. Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted. Forty consecutive pre-treatment cancer patients, referred to radiation oncology outpatients over 6 weeks, were recruited. Data on TSCs, symptoms and nutritional status were obtained using the 'Taste and Smell Survey' and the 'abridged Patient Generated. Subjective Global Assessment' (abPG-SGA). BMI was measured. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Twosided P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Most patients were newly diagnosed (n = 28; 70 %). Nineteen (48 %) reported TSCs; nine noted a stronger sweet and seven a stronger salt taste. Of these, four reported a stronger and four a weaker smell sensation. Those at nutritional risk reported more TSCs (n 13/20). TSCs were significantly associated with dry mouth (P < 0.01), early satiety (P < 0.05) and fatigue (P < 0.05). Conclusions TSCs preceded CT or RT in almost half of treatment -naive patients with solid tumours, notably stronger sweet and salt tastes. Half of the study group were at nutritional risk; the majority of these reported TSCs. TSCs were significantly associated with other symptoms. Future research and clinical guidelines, with a common terminology for assessment. diagnosis and management of cancer TSCs, are needed.