Anosmia and ageusia are emerging as symptoms in patients with COVID-19: What does the current evidence say?

• Published in: Ecancermedicalscience Vol. 14; p. ed98
• Main Authors: Russell, Beth, Moss, Charlotte, Rigg, Anne, Hopkins, Claire, Papa, Sophie, Van Hemelrijck, Mieke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Cancer Intelligence 2020
• Subjects: Cancer therapies; Chemotherapy; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Infections; Oncology; Pandemics; Pharmaceutical sciences; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; United Kingdom > UK; New York; United States > US; COVID-19; ageusia; smell; anosmia; taste
• ISSN: 1754-6605; 1754-6605
• DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.ed98

There have been several reports noting anosmia and ageusia as possible symptoms of COVID-19. This is of particular interest in oncology since patients receiving some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immune therapy often experience similar symptoms as side-effects. The purpose of this report was to summarise the evidence on the existence of anosmia and ageusia an emerging COVID-19 symptoms in order to better inform both oncology patients and clinicians. Currently, there is no published evidence or case reports noting anosmia or ageusia as symptoms of COVID-19. Nevertheless, experts in rhinology have suggested that the onset of such symptoms could either act as a trigger for testing for the disease where possible, or could be a new criterion to self-isolate. Whilst more data is currently needed to strengthen our knowledge of the symptoms of COVID-19, oncology patients who are concerned about anosmia or ageusia in the context of their systemic anti-cancer therapy should contact their acute oncology support line for advice.