Evaluating taste and smell in cancer patients
Sensory Evaluation of Taste and Smell in Oncology
This study is testing how taste and smell change for people with digestive cancers starting chemotherapy or immunotherapy to see how it affects their food choices and nutrition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Lyon and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06643026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on the sensory evaluation of taste and smell in patients with digestive cancers who are starting chemotherapy or immunotherapy. It aims to understand how these sensory perceptions affect food preferences and nutritional status, which are critical for managing cancer treatment and improving patient quality of life. By implementing multimodal nutritional interventions, the study seeks to address the high rates of undernutrition among cancer patients and its associated risks. Participants will complete questionnaires to provide insights into their sensory experiences and dietary needs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with digestive cancers who are beginning chemotherapy or immunotherapy and can eat by mouth.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing treatment for non-digestive cancers or those requiring exclusive enteral or parenteral nutrition may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional interventions that enhance the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of evaluating sensory perceptions in cancer patients is not widely tested, similar studies have shown that addressing nutritional needs can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to complete the proposed questionnaires * Patients over 18 years of age * Non-opposed patients * Digestive cancers starting chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy * Able to eat by mouth Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant treatment for a non-digestive cancer (excluding basal/spinocellular carcinoma and chronic haemopathy) * Previous ENT surgery (face/neck) * Exclusive enteral feeding (nasogastric tube, gastrostomy) or parenteral nutrition * Previous chemotherapy/immunotherapy \< 5 years * Individuals deprived of liberty by a judicial or administrative decision
Where this trial is running
Lyon and 2 other locations
- Hôpital Edouard Herriot — Lyon, France (Recruiting)
- Hôpital Croix Rousse — Lyon, France (Active_not_recruiting)
- Hôpital Lyon Sud — Oullins-Pierre Bénite, France (Active_not_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicolas BENECH, MD, PhD
- Email: Nicolas.benech@chu-lyon.fr
- Phone: 00 33 4 26 10 94 35
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.