How Do Adult Cancer Patients Rate the Current Multidisciplinary Approach to their Chemotherapy Induced Taste Disorders?

This study among 169 adult cancer patients in Belgium examines how they perceive the current multidisciplinary approach to chemotherapy-induced taste disorders. Although 70.4% spontaneously reported their taste issues to a healthcare professional, 94.1% stated the problem was never formally diagnosed, and 48.5% received no treatment. Most consulted the hospital dietitian (50.9%) or oncologist (25.4%), yet many were dissatisfied with the care and information provided. Treatments often included dietary advice or modified meals, but rarely led to patient satisfaction. Only 11.2% actively sought additional information. The study reveals that taste disorders are insufficiently recognized and addressed, despite their major impact on food intake, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. The authors call for a more integrated approach using evidence-based gastrological innovations, such as personalized meals. This requires improved education, awareness, and collaboration within the care team to adequately manage taste disorders and enhance nutritional support for cancer patients.

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