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Longitudinal comparisons of a whole‐mouth taste test to clinician‐rated and patient‐reported outcomes of dysgeusia postradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer and associations with oral intake
Author(s) -
Messing Barbara Pisano,
Ward Elizabeth C.,
Lazarus Cathy,
Ryniak Keri,
Maloney Jessica,
Thompson Carol B.,
Kramer Elizabeth
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26690
Subject(s) - dysgeusia , medicine , taste , taste disorder , head and neck cancer , appetite , tongue , cancer , food science , pathology , adverse effect , chemistry
Background After head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, dysgeusia may be a barrier to oral intake. In this exploratory study, we prospectively examined taste perception, clinician‐rated (CRO) and patient‐reported (PRO) taste changes and their effect on oral intake postradiotherapy. Methods Twenty‐eight patients were assessed at baseline, treatment weeks 2 and 4, and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐treatment using a whole‐mouth taste test and associated CRO and subjective PRO measures. Results Greater taste impairment was reflected by subjective than by a whole‐mouth taste test. The most significant and consistent decline occurred mid‐treatment. The Chemotherapy‐Induced Taste Alteration Scale (PRO) discomfort subscale correlated significantly with maintaining an oral diet, percent of oral intake, and appetite level from mid‐treatment to 6 months post‐treatment. Conclusions PRO results indicated ongoing oral intake issues. Whole‐mouth taste tests may fail to fully reflect functional taste‐loss. Dysgeusia prevention and treatment methods are needed to improve patient outcomes.