Assessing and managing taste changes in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Official title: Effects of Patient Education and Self-Management in Cancer Patients Who Experience Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alterations
Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT06669416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special program led by nurses can help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy better manage changes in their taste and feel more in control of their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06669416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adult cancer patients initiating their first cycle of chemotherapy who can read and speak English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of head/neck cancer, known genetic disorders affecting taste, or those receiving specialized nutritional support may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention designed to assess and manage taste alterations (TA) experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Participants will complete a baseline assessment before starting chemotherapy and receive education based on their assigned intervention, either usual care or enhanced strategies. The study will analyze whether the intervention leads to better detection of TA, encourages patients to take action to manage their symptoms, and ultimately reduces the severity of taste alterations compared to standard care. The trial will involve 400 adult cancer patients across eight clinics over the course of their first four chemotherapy cycles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide cancer patients with effective strategies to manage taste alterations, improving their dietary intake and quality of life during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored self-management strategies for taste alterations, this specific nurse-led intervention approach is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medical diagnosis of cancer with types limited to the top cancer types \[Note: Cancer types that are rare will be excluded\] * Initiating chemotherapy (first day/first cycle) at participating clinics * English speaking/reading (without an interpreter) Exclusion Criteria: * Substitute decision-maker (activated) * History of head/neck cancer or irradiation * Known genetic/metabolic disorder impacting taste (preexisting dysgeusia) * Known eating disorder * Receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition (special nutritional needs) * Pregnant women (unique needs) * Patients with medical orders for end of life/hospice care
Where it's running
-
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mary L Hook, PhD, RN — Aurora Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mary L Hook, PhD, RN
- Email: mary.hook@aah.org
- Phone: 414-218-0990
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
AI-powered mobile app to help breast cancer patients manage chemotherapy symptoms
A mobile app with artificial intelligence is being tested to see if it helps women with breast cancer manage chemotherapy symptoms and feel more confident in their care.
-
DA-020 topically for chemotherapy-induced hair loss
This study tests DA-020 (a topical alpha-1 agonist) to see if it can reduce hair loss in people with breast cancer receiving certain chemotherapies.
-
Education on chemotherapy side effects via social media for breast cancer patients
This study tests if teaching breast cancer patients about chemotherapy side effects through social media videos helps them understand the information better than traditional handouts.
-
Comparing total neoadjuvant therapy with surgery for rectal cancer treatment
This study is testing if rectal cancer patients who respond well to a new treatment can skip surgery and just be monitored to see how they do compared to those who have surgery right away.
-
Remote physical activity program for cancer survivors with and without diabetes
This study is trying out a remote exercise program for cancer survivors, with and without diabetes, to see if it can help improve their quality of life and cognitive skills after chemotherapy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.