Taste and smell function in testicular cancer survivors treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy in relation to dietary intake, food preference, and body composition.
Chemotherapy can affect taste and smell function. This may contribute to the high prevalence of overweight and metabolic syndrome in testicular cancer survivors (TCS). Aims of the study were to evaluate taste and smell function and possible consequences for dietary intake, food preference, and body composition in TCS treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy.



Fifty TCS, 1-7 years post-chemotherapy, and 50 age-matched healthy men participated. Taste and smell function were measured using taste strips and 'Sniffin' Sticks', respectively. Dietary intake was investigated using a food frequency questionnaire. Food preference was assessed using food pictures varying in taste (sweet/savoury) and fat or protein content. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry was performed to measure body composition. Presence of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism were assessed.



TCS had a lower total taste function, a higher bitter taste threshold, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), and more (abdominal) fat than controls (p < 0.05). No differences in smell function and dietary intake were found. Testosterone level was an important determinant of body composition in TCS (p = 0.016).



Although taste function was impaired in TCS, this was not related to a different dietary intake compared to controls. Lower testosterone levels were associated with a higher BMI, fat mass, and abdominal fat distribution in TCS.
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Neuroimaging Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Irene
I
IJpma
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Neuroimaging Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Remco J
RJ
Renken
Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Jourik A
JA
Gietema
Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Faculty of Science and Technology, Biomedical Photonic Imaging, University of Twente, The Netherlands.
Riemer H J A
RH
Slart
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen UR, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Manon G J
MG
Mensink
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Joop D
JD
Lefrandt
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Neuroimaging Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Gert J
GJ
Ter Horst
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.k.l.reyners@umcg.nl.
Anna K L
AK
Reyners
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D000073116:Cancer Survivors; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D015995:Prevalence; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D014280:Triglycerides; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D002784:Cholesterol; D002945:Cisplatin
Body composition; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Food; Smell; Taste