Robyn Loves1, Erin Plenert1, Vivian Tomlinson1, Sasha Palmert1, Gloria Green2,3, Tal Schechter3, Deborah Tomlinson1, Emily Vettese1, Sue Zupanec3, L Lee Dupuis1,4,5, Lillian Sung6,7. 1. Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada. 2. Division of Clinical Dietetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. 3. Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. 4. Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. 5. Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 6. Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada. lillian.sung@sickkids.ca. 7. Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. lillian.sung@sickkids.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Changes in taste is a common bothersome symptom in children receiving cancer treatments. However, little is known about how pediatric cancer patients experience this symptom. The objective was to describe how children receiving cancer treatments experience taste alterations and the approaches they use to address the issue. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we included English-speaking children 4-18 years of age with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients who were actively receiving cancer treatment or who had completed therapy. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we asked questions about the experience of altered taste sensation. We asked about its characteristics, impacts and identified coping strategies. RESULTS: We included 50 children. Children experienced changes in taste in a heterogeneous fashion although commonly described food as tasting "different", "not right" or "funny". While change in food preferences due to taste alterations was common, specific choices varied. Many found changes started with treatment initiation or mid-way through treatment, and some found that symptoms persisted up to 9 months following treatment completion. Actions taken to address taste changes were sucking on candy, brushing teeth and modifying food choices. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of changes in taste was common yet highly variable in its presentation and resultant changes in food preferences. Taste changes did not always resolve soon after treatment completion. Future research should identify ways to manage this symptom in pediatric cancer patients.
PURPOSE: Changes in taste is a common bothersome symptom in children receiving cancer treatments. However, little is known about how pediatric cancerpatients experience this symptom. The objective was to describe how children receiving cancer treatments experience taste alterations and the approaches they use to address the issue. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we included English-speaking children 4-18 years of age with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients who were actively receiving cancer treatment or who had completed therapy. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we asked questions about the experience of altered taste sensation. We asked about its characteristics, impacts and identified coping strategies. RESULTS: We included 50 children. Children experienced changes in taste in a heterogeneous fashion although commonly described food as tasting "different", "not right" or "funny". While change in food preferences due to taste alterations was common, specific choices varied. Many found changes started with treatment initiation or mid-way through treatment, and some found that symptoms persisted up to 9 months following treatment completion. Actions taken to address taste changes were sucking on candy, brushing teeth and modifying food choices. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of changes in taste was common yet highly variable in its presentation and resultant changes in food preferences. Taste changes did not always resolve soon after treatment completion. Future research should identify ways to manage this symptom in pediatric cancerpatients.
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Authors: Rebecca M Speck; Angela DeMichele; John T Farrar; Sean Hennessy; Jun J Mao; Margaret G Stineman; Frances K Barg Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2012-08-05 Impact factor: 3.603
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Authors: Mirjam van den Brink; Irene IJpma; Britt van Belkom; Marta Fiocco; Remco C Havermans; Wim J E Tissing Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2020-08-02 Impact factor: 3.603