Assessing and managing taste changes in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Effects of Patient Education and Self-Management in Cancer Patients Who Experience Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alterations
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06669416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult cancer patients initiating their first cycle of chemotherapy who can read and speak English.
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.
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 performed: While some studies have explored self-management strategies for taste alterations, this specific nurse-led intervention approach is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.