Taste Loss and Recovery Following Radiation Therapy

Previous investigators have reported deficits in taste acuity in patients following radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer. In the present longitudinal study, 13 patients (mean age = 51.6 yrs) received conventional or hyperfractionated radiotherapy (63–76.8 Gy) for primary tumors of the orophary...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of dental research 2006-07, Vol.85 (7), p.608-611
Main Authors: Sandow, P.L., Hejrat-Yazdi, M., Heft, M.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Ageusia - etiology
Analysis of Variance
Cranial Irradiation - adverse effects
Female
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - radiotherapy
Recovery of Function
Taste Buds - radiation effects
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Summary:Previous investigators have reported deficits in taste acuity in patients following radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer. In the present longitudinal study, 13 patients (mean age = 51.6 yrs) received conventional or hyperfractionated radiotherapy (63–76.8 Gy) for primary tumors of the oropharynx. One or both parotid glands and at least two-thirds of the tongue were included in the radiation field. Smell recognition and taste detection thresholds were determined at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-radiation. Differences for smell recognition and the 4 taste qualities were assessed (independently) at the 4 time intervals, with a one-way ANOVA. Smell recognition was unaffected by radiation. There were significant elevations in thresholds for sweet (p < 0.005), salty (p < 0.005), bitter (p < 0.005), and sour (p< 0.001) during radiation therapy that were restored to baseline levels at 6 months and 1 year after radiation. This study demonstrated that radiation-induced taste deficits can be recovered by 6 months.
ISSN:0022-0345
1544-0591
DOI:10.1177/154405910608500705