study of chemo associated alterations in taste and smell

[Lani]

J Clin Oncol. 2009 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Taste and Smell Changes in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer or Gynecologic Malignancies.

Steinbach S, Hummel T, Böhner C, Berktold S, Hundt W, Kriner M, Heinrich P, Sommer H, Hanusch C, Prechtl A, Schmidt B, Bauerfeind I, Seck K, Jacobs VR, Schmalfeldt B, Harbeck N.
Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University, Dresden; Frauenklinik (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology) and Department of Medical Statistics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen; Departments of Clinical Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Maistrasse, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rot-Kreuz-Krankenhaus; Gynecology Arabella; and Haemato-Oncology Pasing, Munich, Germany.
PURPOSE: Smell and taste changes during chemotherapy are significant complaints of cancer patients. Loss of olfactory/gustatory function can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and possibly a prolonged morbidity of chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, decreased quality of life, poor compliance, and even decreased therapy response. This prospective study comprehensively investigated, to our knowledge for the first time, smell and taste changes in a cohort of 87 patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer or gynecologic malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Olfactory function was tested using Sniffin' Sticks (Burghart; Wedel, Germany) and gustatory function was tested using taste strips before, during, and immediately and 3 months after chemotherapy. RESULTS: Olfactory and gustatory function significantly decreased during chemotherapy and recovered almost completely 3 months after chemotherapy. Scores of odor thresholds were affected more than those of discrimination or identification. The olfactory function of older patients was affected more than that of younger patients. There was no difference in the olfactory function during chemotherapy with respect to the chemotherapeutic agent or initial diagnosis (breast or ovarian cancer). Regarding taste, scores of salty taste were affected more than scores of sweet, sour, or bitter taste. The gustatory function did not differ significantly during chemotherapy with respect to age or diagnosis but did differ with respect to the chemotherapeutic agent. Taxane-based chemotherapy caused the most severe disorders. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy has a significant but transient effect on olfactory and gustatory function, possibly causing reduced appetite, a low energy intake, and weight loss. Additional spices and flavoring may compensate for this diminished chemosensory function, enhancing patient compliance and quality of life.
PMID: 19289621

[Believe51]

Lani, thanks for this thread. Unfortunately this is exactly where my husband is at this bend in the road. Also, spices/flavorings are not helping him at all. This post appeared almost tailored made as I was reading it, except nothing has improved after stopping treatment.>>Believe51

[Lani]

trental is a drug often given to the very elderly with few side effects and those described seem mainly to be good ones ie, increased blood flow to the kidneys such that it helps protects them from diabetes damage etc, protection against radiation induced fibrosis, etc

It inhibits nfkappa beta which is felt to be desireable in cancer (curcumin seems to do so too)

I am no pharmacologist, but could it hurt to discuss this with your doctor, particularly if diminished smell sense is interfering with Mighty Oak's desire to eat.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 Mar;135(3):291-5. Links

Effects of pentoxifylline on olfactory sensitivity: a postmarketing surveillance study.

Gudziol V, Hummel T.
Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline, an unspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on olfactory function. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients who received pentoxifylline to treat inner-ear conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of olfactory function (ie, odor threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification) before and after administration of pentoxifylline and assessment of nasal airflow. RESULTS: Administration of pentoxifylline had no significant effect on nasal airflow (P = .84). After administration of pentoxifylline, patients demonstrated a decrease in odor threshold toward lower odor concentrations (P = .01). The odor threshold shift after administration of pentoxifylline was more pronounced in younger patients than in older patients (correlation between age and change in odor threshold: r = -.72; P = .001). No such changes were observed for suprathreshold olfactory tasks (odor discrimination and odor identification). Six of the 19 patients were found to have hyposmia. Two patients demonstrated a clinically significant decrease in odor threshold after drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings may indicate a role for pentoxifylline in the treatment of olfactory loss. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to verify whether pentoxifylline can improve olfactory sensitivity in patients with olfactory disorders.
PMID: 19289709