Therapy-Associated Saliva and Taste Change Evaluation (TASTE) in Head & Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Launched by SONJA STIEB, MD · May 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The TASTE study is a clinical trial that aims to understand how radiation therapy affects taste in patients with head and neck cancer. Many patients experience changes in their taste sensation after receiving radiation, which can significantly impact their quality of life. This study will recruit 150 participants who are starting radiation therapy for their cancer. Researchers will closely monitor their taste, smell, and saliva production at different points in time—before, during, and after treatment. The main goal is to gather information about taste changes 12 months after radiation therapy and to identify factors that might affect these changes.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and scheduled for radiation therapy with the aim to cure the cancer. They should also be able to perform daily activities with some assistance, as indicated by a specific performance score. Participants will complete questionnaires and taste tests to help researchers learn more about their experiences. It’s important to note that those who are pregnant, have a pre-existing complete loss of taste, or have certain medical conditions may not be able to join the study. This research is crucial for improving care and potentially preventing taste-related issues in future patients undergoing similar treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Head and neck cancer patients
• • Referred for radiation therapy with curative intent, both definitive and post-operative
• • Age ≥18
• • Karnofsky performance index of at least 50%
• • Anticipated mean radiation dose to the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa or at least one of the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and/or sublingual gland) of at the minimum 5 Gy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy
• • Pre-existing subjective complete loss of taste before start of radiation therapy
• • Planning CT and radiation therapy with oral stent or spacer
• • Partial or total glossectomy which impairs taste assessments of at least one side of the tongue or impairs contouring of the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa on the planning CT
• • Inability to follow instructions related to study procedures or inability to fill in the questionnaires
• • Inability to provide informed consent