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Rosati D, Mastino P, Romeo M, de Soccio G, Pentangelo D, Petrella C, Barbato C, Minni A. Taste and Smell Alterations (TSAs) in Cancer Patients. Diseases 2024; 12:130. [PMID: 38920562 PMCID: PMC11203271 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, smell and taste disorders have seen renewed interest, as these symptoms are frequent complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, since approximately 60% of patients affected by COVID-19 have shown olfactory and gustatory alterations. Otolaryngology pays attention to taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs), especially when associated with oncology. TSAs are common symptoms in people affected by cancer, yet they are ignored and underestimated. The clinical outcome of TSAs in cancer evidences the importance of identifying them with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in general, and they are associated with many types of cancer. We recognize the findings of the literature on TSAs in cancer, evaluating how it is important to consider and identify these disorders concerning reduced food enjoyment or inappropriate nutrient intake, and modulating the nutritional status, quality of life, and impact of therapy. This review aims to critically evaluate and recognize the assessment and clinical perspectives of taste and smell disorders in a cancer population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Rosati
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Pierluigi Mastino
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Martina Romeo
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Giulia de Soccio
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Daniele Pentangelo
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (D.R.); (P.M.); (M.R.)
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
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Tharakan T, Piccirillo JF, Miller B, Reed DR, Kallogjeri D, Paniello R, Puram SV, Jackson RS. Acute Taste Dysfunction in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients after Transoral Robotic Surgery. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:3520-3528. [PMID: 37551882 PMCID: PMC10843268 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare taste changes after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to taste changes in healthy controls. METHODS Oropharyngeal cancer patients receiving TORS and healthy controls were recruited. Participants underwent posterolateral and whole-mouth psychophysical taste testing (identification, intensity, and hedonics) at baseline and at 2 weeks postoperatively (patients) or follow-up (controls). Surgeons reported suspension time and glossopharyngeal nerve injury (GNI) based on the identification and sacrifice of the nerve. A Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of taste symptoms was completed at each session ("My sense of taste bothers me" on a 5-point scale from Never [1] to Always [5]). A taste disorder (TD) was a CGI of 3 (Sometimes) or worse. Within-subject changes in CGI and psychophysical scores were computed. "Worsened taste" was a CGI increase by ≥1 point at follow-up. RESULTS Of 69 participants, most (33/37 tumor, 31/32 controls) had normal baseline taste (CGI < 3). 14/33 (42%) TORS patients and no controls developed new TDs at follow-up. More smokers (7/9) had worsened taste than nonsmokers (19/60, difference = 46% [95% CI 16%-76%]). More patients without GNI (6/22) than with GNI (0/15) had postoperative phantogeusia (difference = 27% [95% CI 9-45%]). Tumor-ipsilateral taste identification (TI) decreased more in patients (-11.3%) than controls (0.8%, difference = 12.2% [95% CI 5.0-19.3%]). Suspension time was not associated with worsened taste symptoms or psychophysical changes. CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported taste changes after TORS are frequent. Compared to healthy controls, TORS patients have decreased tumor-ipsilateral TI. Suspension time and GNI are unlikely to cause symptomatic TDs. Further investigations of the etiology and long-term symptom burden of TORS-associated TDs will aid in the management of oropharyngeal cancer patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 (non-randomized controlled cohort study) Laryngoscope, 133:3520-3528, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Tharakan
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jay F. Piccirillo
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Brevin Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | | | - Dorina Kallogjeri
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Randall Paniello
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Sidharth V. Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ryan S. Jackson
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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Pereira ADA, Reis ESD, Guilarducci MJ, Oliveira JSE, Gomes JMG. Food Aversion during Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:389-401. [PMID: 36382624 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2129079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with cancer often present food aversion after initiation of anti-tumor treatment, which may impair nutritional status. We aim to assess the prevalence and factors associated with food aversion during cancer treatment. Articles from three databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. English was used, with no restriction on the year of publication. Inclusion criteria were original articles that evaluated food aversion in adults and the elderly undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment. Fifteen articles were included. A high prevalence of food aversion (21-62%) was observed, with meat considered the most aversive food. The aversion is usually transient and may be due to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting, caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, and even psychological and emotional issues. Offering a new food before the beginning of treatment seems to be an effective strategy to reduce aversion, combined with nutritional and psychological monitoring. Cancer patients have a high prevalence of food aversion. Multidisciplinary care can minimize the consequences of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Araújo Pereira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | - Emylliane Santana Dos Reis
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | - Mariana Julião Guilarducci
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | | | - Júnia Maria Geraldo Gomes
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
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Abstract
Histone lysine methylation plays a key role in gene activation and repression. The trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine-27 (H3K27me3) is a critical epigenetic event that is controlled by Jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3). JMJD3 is a histone demethylase that specifically removes methyl groups. Previous studies have suggested that JMJD3 has a dual role in cancer cells. JMJD3 stimulates the expression of proliferative-related genes and increases tumor cell growth, propagation, and migration in various cancers, including neural, prostate, ovary, skin, esophagus, leukemia, hepatic, head and neck, renal, lymphoma, and lung. In contrast, JMJD3 can suppress the propagation of tumor cells, and enhance their apoptosis in colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. In this review, we summarized the recent advances of JMJD3 function in cancer cells.
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Ruiz-Ceamanos A, Spence C, Navarra J. Individual Differences in Chemosensory Perception Amongst Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Narrative Review. Nutr Cancer 2022; 74:1927-1941. [PMID: 35102800 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.2000625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an aggressive form of treatment for cancer and its toxicity directly affects the eating behavior of many patients, usually by adversely affecting their sense of smell and/or taste. These sensory alterations often lead to serious nutritional deficiencies that can jeopardize the patient's recovery, and even continue to affect their lives once treatment has terminated. Importantly, however, not all patients suffer from such alterations to their chemical senses; and those who do, do not necessarily describe the side effects in quite the same way, nor suffer from them with equal intensity. The origin of these individual differences between cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment has not, as yet, been studied in detail. This review is therefore designed to encourage future research that can help to address the perceptual/sensory problems (and the consequent malnutrition) identified amongst this group of patients in a more customized/personalized manner. In particular, by providing an overview of the possible causes of these large individual differences that have been reported in the literature. For this reason, in addition to the narrative bibliographic review, several possible strategies that could help to improve the chemosensory perception of food are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ruiz-Ceamanos
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CETT-UB, Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charles Spence
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jordi Navarra
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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