Disturbance in taste sensation during radiotherapy of patients with malignant diseases

ABSTRACT

Two groups of patients with malignant diseases [each 50 patients] were compared regarding the effect of radiotherapy on taste sensation and its impact on the nutritional status of the patients. Only one group had been subjected to deep X-ray therapy [DXT]. Both groups were asked specifically about their appreciation to various food items and tested physically by the four primary tastes. The study showed a general reduction in the appreciation of various food items and primary taste following radiotherapy. In coclusion, a specific food intake advice should be offered to patients with DXT to achieve a reasonable nutritional status