Selective Taste Management: A Selfcare Intervention for Cancer Outpatients suffering Chemotherapy-Induced Dysgeusia

Chemotherapy can lead to taste disturbances (dysgeusia), which negatively impact food intake and nutritional status in cancer patients. This pilot study investigated whether personalized bread, based on individual taste profiles assessed using the O-box, could be baked at home by patients or their caregivers. Of the 112 participants, 54 were in the intervention group and 58 in the control group. In the intervention group, bread was baked according to individualized recipes. Over 80% of participants found this bread equally or more palatable than regular bread, despite experiencing dysgeusia. No adverse effects were reported, and adherence to the intervention was high. Body weight and BMI remained stable in the intervention group, whereas significant declines were observed in the control group. The O-box proved to be an effective tool for mapping taste preferences and applying them in personalized recipes. This innovative gastrological self-care intervention is feasible, safe, and potentially powerful in countering malnutrition in cancer outpatients. Further large-scale studies are recommended.

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