Taste disorders in cancer patients: pathogenesis, and approach to assessment and management

Abstract

Taste dysfunction in cancer patients impacts quality of life and impairs oral intake, which may have broader implications consisting of weight loss and nutritional compromise. These consequences may in turn affect broad symptom clusters including tissue healing, energy levels and mood. Patient evaluation and management should include a complete patient history and examination, and may require special tests. Patient-reported outcomes together with taste and smell testing are often necessary for diagnosis and management of taste disorders. Understanding, prevention and management of taste disorders in cancer patients requires continuing study. Current practice and recommendations are based on limited evidence. Due to its potentially significant impact on quality of life during and following cytotoxic therapy, and considering the increase in cancer survivorship, further research on this topic is imperative.