Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Taste and Smell Changes in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer or Gynecologic Malignancies

    March 2009 in “ Journal of Clinical Oncology ”
    Silke Steinbach, Thomas Hummel, Christina Böhner, Sabina Berktold, Walter Hundt, Monika Kriner, Petra Heinrich, H Sommer, Claus Hanusch, A. Prechtl, B. Schmidt, Ingo Bauerfeind, Katharina Seck, Volker R. Jacobs, Barbara Schmalfeldt, Nadia Harbeck
    TLDR Chemotherapy reduces taste and smell, but they mostly recover after treatment; adding spices may help improve appetite.
    The study assessed taste and smell changes in 87 patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer or gynecologic malignancies, finding significant decreases in olfactory and gustatory functions during treatment, with recovery occurring 3 months post-chemotherapy. Older patients experienced more olfactory impairment, and taxane-based treatments caused the most severe taste disorders, particularly affecting salty taste. These sensory changes could lead to reduced appetite and weight loss, suggesting that additional spices and flavoring might improve patient compliance and quality of life. The study also noted the potential benefits of zinc infusions for gustatory recovery, though their use in breast cancer was controversial.
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