De Gustibus: time scale of loss and recovery of tastes caused by radiotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the prevalence and distress of taste loss at different intervals after radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer.


METHODS
In four different groups of head and neck cancer patients (73 patients in total), taste loss and distress due to taste loss were evaluated by taste acuity tests and taste questionnaires. Group 1 (n=17) was analyzed prior to RT. Groups 2 (n=17), 3 (n=17) and 4 (n=22) were at 2, 6 and 12-24 months after treatment, respectively. A cross-sectional analysis was performed between these four groups.


RESULTS
Prior to initiation of RT (group 1), partial taste loss was observed in 35, 18 and 6% of patients for bitter, salt and sweet, respectively. At 2 months after RT (group 2), taste loss (partial or total) was seen in 88, 82, 76 and 53% for bitter, salt, sweet and sour, respectively. At 6 months (group 3), partial taste loss was seen in 71, 65, 41 and 41% (bitter, salt, sweet, sour) and after 1-2 years (group 4) in 41, 50, 27 and 27% (bitter, salt, sweet, sour). Distress caused by taste loss was most frequent in group 2 (82%).


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, loss of taste after RT was found to be most pronounced after 2 months. Bitter and salt qualities were most impaired. Gradual recovery was seen during the first year after treatment. Partial taste loss still persisted 1-2 years after treatment and was responsible for slight to moderate discomfort.
Maes
Annelies
A
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Huygh
Ingrid
I
Weltens
Caroline
C
Vandevelde
Guy
G
Delaere
Pierre
P
Evers
Georges
G
Van den Bogaert
Walter
W
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013649:Taste / Q000528:radiation effects; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013652:Taste Threshold