Taste and smell dysfunction in patients receiving chemotherapy: a review of current knowledge.

Abstract

Disorders of taste are prevalent in patients undergoing chemotherapy and often have a negative impact on quality of life and nutrition. We now present a review of the physiology of taste and smell and a discussion of the multiple causes of disturbances in these senses in patients undergoing standard- and high-dose chemotherapy. A better understanding of the complex and often multifactorial etiology of taste dysfunction should enable the clinician to institute measures to minimize the impact of these disturbing changes.

• Authors: T B Comeau, J B Epstein, C Migas
• Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Support Care Cancer) Vol. 9 Issue 8 Pg. 575-80 (Nov 2001) ISSN: 0941-4355 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 11762967 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Neoplasms (complications)
• Olfaction Disorders (chemically induced)
• Sense Organs (drug effects, radiation effects)
• Taste (drug effects)
• Taste Disorders (chemically induced)