Evaluating taste and saliva changes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
Therapy-Associated Saliva and Taste Change Evaluation (TASTE) in Head & Neck Cancer
Kantonsspital Aarau · NCT06444776
This study is testing how radiation therapy affects taste and saliva in head and neck cancer patients to see how it impacts their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kantonsspital Aarau (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation, chemotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aarau, Canton of Aargau and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06444776 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the impact of radiation therapy on taste sensation in head and neck cancer patients. It will recruit 150 participants who will undergo both subjective and objective assessments of their taste, smell, and salivary function at various time points before, during, and after treatment. The primary focus is on understanding taste impairment and its effects on quality of life, measured through a standardized questionnaire 12 months post-therapy. The findings could help inform strategies to prevent taste-related side effects in future patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with head and neck cancer who are scheduled for radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing complete loss of taste or those unable to participate in assessments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of taste impairment in head and neck cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data specifically on taste impairment, other studies have successfully addressed radiation-associated toxicities, suggesting potential for meaningful insights in this area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Head and neck cancer patients * Referred for radiation therapy with curative intent, both definitive and post-operative * Age ≥18 * Karnofsky performance index of at least 50% * Anticipated mean radiation dose to the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa or at least one of the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and/or sublingual gland) of at the minimum 5 Gy Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Pre-existing subjective complete loss of taste before start of radiation therapy * Planning CT and radiation therapy with oral stent or spacer * Partial or total glossectomy which impairs taste assessments of at least one side of the tongue or impairs contouring of the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa on the planning CT * Inability to follow instructions related to study procedures or inability to fill in the questionnaires * Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Aarau, Canton of Aargau and 2 other locations
- Kantonsspital Aarau, Zentrum für Radio-Onkologie KSA-KSB — Aarau, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
- Universitätsspital Bern — Bern, Switzerland (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Universitätsspital Zürich — Zurich, Switzerland (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sonja Stieb, MD
- Email: sonja.stieb@ksa.ch
- Phone: +41 62 838 4179
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.
Conditions: Head and Neck Cancer, Radiotherapy, Taste impairment, Dysgeusia, Xerostomia, Saliva, Quality of life