The effect of taste changes on nutritional status of patients with breast cancer and head and neck cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and head and neck cancers are among the top ten cancers overall. While it is established that chemotherapy impacts taste, the mechanism and the implications for appetite and meeting nutritional requirements are less clear. This project reviewed the impact of different chemotherapy treatments on taste ability and related changes in nutritional status by examining the appetite, energy intake, macronutrient intake, and weight status. This systematic review used three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley Online Library. Key search terms were adults aged at least 18 years old who had breast cancer or head and neck cancer. Studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 were included. Six studies were identified for breast cancer and two for head and neck cancers. In both types of cancers, chemotherapy affected taste ability. In studies that used objective measurement methods, only a decrease in the sense of taste was reported. In contrast, studies that used subjective methods reported an increase in the sense of taste and/or bad taste alongside taste reduction. In terms of the implications of these taste changes on nutritional status, all studies but one reported a reduction in protein intake and/or total energy intake. In addition, all studies but one which reported that breast cancer patients are less likely to report a reduction in weight in comparison to other types of cancers reported a reduction in weight. Changes in taste ability are a major contributor to malnutrition by reducing energy intake and/or protein intake among patients with breast cancer and head and neck cancers. This has implications in clinical practice for both patients and clinics. Patient education and support is crucial in reducing these outcomes