Taste Alterations Study

Launched by WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · Oct 31, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Taste Alterations Study is designed to understand how chemotherapy affects taste in patients with cancer. Specifically, the study aims to find out if a standard assessment can help identify changes in taste better than usual care, what types of taste changes patients experience, and if there are any patterns based on factors like age, gender, or type of cancer. The study also wants to know if patients use any strategies to cope with these taste changes and whether a detailed assessment and education can help reduce the severity of these symptoms and improve their ability to eat.

To participate in this study, you should be between the ages of 65 and 74, diagnosed with a common type of cancer, and starting your first cycle of chemotherapy. Participants will complete an initial assessment before starting chemotherapy and receive education based on their assigned group. Throughout the study, patients will work with nurse coaches to manage taste changes and report their experiences, with data collected at different stages of treatment. It's important to note that individuals with certain conditions, such as previous head or neck cancer or specific eating disorders, will not be eligible for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Medical diagnosis of cancer with types limited to the top cancer types \[Note: Cancer types that are rare will be excluded\]
• • Initiating chemotherapy (first day/first cycle) at participating clinics
• • English speaking/reading (without an interpreter)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Substitute decision-maker (activated)
• • History of head/neck cancer or irradiation
• • Known genetic/metabolic disorder impacting taste (preexisting dysgeusia)
• • Known eating disorder
• • Receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition (special nutritional needs)
• • Pregnant women (unique needs)
• • Patients with medical orders for end of life/hospice care