title: Metallic Taste in Cancer Patients Treated with Systemic Therapy: A Questionnaire-based Study.
abstract: A metallic taste is reported by cancer patients as a side effect of systemic therapy. Despite the high prevalence, this taste alteration has received limited attention. The present study investigated: 1) the prevalence of metallic taste in cancer patients treated with systemic therapy; 2) possible predictors of metallic taste; and 3) characteristics of metallic taste. A heterogeneous population of 127 cancer patients, who had received systemic treatment in the past year or were still on treatment, completed a questionnaire developed for this study. Fifty-eight of 127 (46%) patients reported taste changes in the preceding week. Of these patients, 20 (34%) reported a metallic taste. Patients treated with chemotherapy, concomitant radiotherapy, as well as targeted therapy reported metallic taste. Women experienced metallic taste more often than men. Patients experiencing a metallic taste also reported more frequently that they were bothered by sour food and that everything tasted bitter. The experience of metallic taste was highly variable among patients. In conclusion, metallic taste is a frequently experienced taste alteration by cancer patients. Patients treated with chemotherapy, concomitant radiotherapy, and targeted therapy are all at risk for this taste alteration. However, not all patients reported this alteration as bothersome.
authors.affiliation: a Top Institute Food and Nutrition , Wageningen , The Netherlands.|b Neuroimaging Center Groningen , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.|c Department of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: IJpma
authors.affiliation: d Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences , University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Erik R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Timmermans
authors.affiliation: a Top Institute Food and Nutrition , Wageningen , The Netherlands.|b Neuroimaging Center Groningen , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Remco J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Renken
authors.affiliation: a Top Institute Food and Nutrition , Wageningen , The Netherlands.|b Neuroimaging Center Groningen , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Gert J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Ter Horst
authors.affiliation: a Top Institute Food and Nutrition , Wageningen , The Netherlands.|c Department of Medical Oncology , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anna K L
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Reyners
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors