Taste perception changes in multiple myeloma and head & neck cancer patients: A qualitative study

Changes in taste have been perceived as a common side effect of different cancers and may lead to malnutrition. Hence, the importance of understanding cancer patients' sensory taste perceptions and its impact on nutritional status, quality of life (QoL), and oral nutrition supplements (ONS) compliance becomes crucial. This qualitative study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 24 adults (15 with multiple myeloma and 9 with head & neck cancer). The interviews were transcribed and the data analysis was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis and template analysis. This guided the development of four themes: 1. Taste and smell changes, 2. Impact on nutritional status and quality of life, 3. Information and help available for people experiencing changes in their taste, and 4. ONS and its compliance. Our findings show significant negative impact of chemosensory changes on nutritional status, quality of life and ONS compliance. Patient's experience with the level of support received for the management of taste changes during cancer treatment varied widely. Providing adequate information and support in a timely manner about changes in taste during treatment can improve patients' coping strategies and maintain their nutritional status. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of addressing taste changes and ONS compliance for people with multiple myeloma and head and neck cancer undergoing treatment. Specifically, the taste changes and its impact experienced by people with head and neck cancer were found to be more severe than those experienced by multiple myeloma patients. This study provides an understanding of changes in sensory taste perception experienced by cancer patients and its impact on nutritional status and QoL. This understanding can provide insight into ways to improve ONS consumption and compliance for preventing malnutrition. It is crucial to further conduct ONS sensory evaluations that cater to the specific needs of this cohort to help prevent malnutrition among cancer patients.