Understanding the impact of taste changes in oncology care

Purpose Taste perception is frequently altered in cancer patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on advances in understanding of the basic biology and physiology of taste and how taste and flavor may be impacted in cancer and its treatment. Methods A succinct review of the liter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Supportive care in cancer 2016-04, Vol.24 (4), p.1917-1931
Main Authors: Epstein, Joel B., Smutzer, Gregory, Doty, Richard L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer therapies
Dysgeusia - complications
Dysgeusia - etiology
Female
Humans
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neoplasms - complications
Nursing
Nursing Research
Oncology
Pain Medicine
Physiological aspects
Rehabilitation Medicine
Review Article
Sensory perception
Smell
Survivors
Taste
Taste (Sense)
Taste - physiology
Taste Perception - physiology
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Summary:Purpose Taste perception is frequently altered in cancer patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on advances in understanding of the basic biology and physiology of taste and how taste and flavor may be impacted in cancer and its treatment. Methods A succinct review of the literature on the biology and neurology of taste, taste evaluation, and the impact in oncology is provided. Results Advances have occurred in the study of the gustatory system. Taste and smell are commonly affected during cancer care, and specific chemosensory complaints may persist in large numbers of cancer survivors. Limited study in oncology patients is available despite the significant impact that taste and smell have on oral intake and general physical and social well-being. Conclusions Taste and flavor has had limited study in cancer therapy. Impact on taste and flavor can result in changes ranging from elimination of taste to taste distortions that may be associated with taste aversions, nausea, and dietary compromise. New therapeutics and new approaches in oncology may have additional impact upon taste that requires further study. This paper reviews the current understanding of taste function, taste testing, and its potential impact on cancer care, to serve as a guide for directing further research.
ISSN:0941-4355
1433-7339
DOI:10.1007/s00520-016-3083-8