Effects of selective taste steering of bread and soups on quality of life in adult cancer outpatients who experience chemotherapy-induced taste alterations

Taste alterations caused by cancer or chemotherapy often negatively affect appetite, food intake, and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether a taste-guided self-care intervention—developed by the Center for Gastrology—could improve quality of life and eating experiences in adult cancer outpatients. The intervention group learned how to adapt bread and soup to their individual taste profiles, while the control group received standard dietary advice without taste personalization.

Participants in the intervention group reported significant improvements after four weeks in global quality of life, role functioning, and social functioning, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30. They also experienced greater satisfaction, recognition, and meaning during meals. The taste-guided approach was perceived as positive, empowering, and motivating. These improvements were not observed in the control group.

The results suggest that personalized taste interventions not only enhance the eating experience but also support the psychosocial well-being of cancer patients. Taste steering emerges as a promising and accessible strategy to improve quality of life during cancer treatment, and it warrants further implementation in oncological care.

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