The nutritional impact of metallic taste in head and neck cancer patients: explorations and clinical implications

PURPOSE: Metallic taste (MT) is frequently observed during head and neck cancer treatments, but very little is known about its impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of MT on the quality of life and nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer expre...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inSupportive care in cancer Vol. 32; no. 10
Main Authors Buiret, Guillaume, Brignot, Hélène, Septier, Chantal, Thomas-Danguin, Thierry, Feron, Gilles
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Springer Verlag (Germany) 01.09.2024
Subjects
Food and Nutrition
Life Sciences
Dysgeusia
Head and neck cancer
Metallic taste
Quality of life
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:PURPOSE: Metallic taste (MT) is frequently observed during head and neck cancer treatments, but very little is known about its impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of MT on the quality of life and nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer expressing MT. METHODS: Questionnaires on quality of life, MT, weight, and food intake were filled out by 44 patients with head and neck cancer before, during, and up to 1 year after their treatment. Patients were divided into two groups based on their reported experience of MT. RESULTS: MT was commonly observed (n = 12, 27.2%), always during the treatment phase, and mostly linked with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Reported MT intensity was moderate (n = 6, 40%) to high (n = 4, 26.7%). MT had a significant negative impact on quality of life linked to dysgeusia (p = 0.025). The negative impacts of MT on food intake and on weight were not significant, possibly due to a combination of sample size, dropouts, and duration of observation. Further research in this area could provide additional insights into how to better address the issue related to MT and enhance the quality of care provided to this patient population. CONCLUSION: Metallic taste, experienced by 27.2% of the 44 patients with head and neck cancer, contributes to dysgeusia and results in a significant decline in quality of life associated with dysgeusia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration number: NCT03558789.
ISSN:0941-4355
1433-7339
DOI:10.1007/s00520-024-08854-z