An Investigation Into Taste Problems Associated With Xerostomia in Patients With Advanced Cancer

NCT ID: NCT06287294

Last Updated: 2024-09-19

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

120 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-08-30

Study Completion Date

2025-12-31

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

Taste problems and xerostomia (dry mouth) are common among patients with advanced cancer. These symptoms can affect the pleasure of eating and drinking, reduce dietary intake, cause low mood, and a lower quality of life. This study will explore the relationship between dry mouth and taste problems in patients with advanced cancer.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Patients with advanced cancer often develop taste disturbances. A recent literature review reported a median prevalence of 55%, with prevalence ranging from 27-93%. Studies have shown taste disturbance is usually a persistent symptom, is often 'moderate-to-severe' in intensity, and is often associated with significant distress. Taste disturbance may have a major impact on the experience and pleasure associated with eating and drinking. Taste disturbance may have a major impact on nutritional intake. It may be associated with low mood / depression, social isolation, and an impaired quality of life.

There is limited data available on the aetiology of taste disturbances in patients with advanced cancer, although one group of researchers reported an association between the severity of xerostomia (subjective sensation of dry mouth) and the severity of taste disturbance. Several studies have identified xerostomia and taste disturbance in symptom clusters.

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is defined as the subjective complaint of dry mouth. The prevalence of xerostomia in patients with advanced cancer has been reported to be \>80%. It is the most common oral symptom in patients with advanced cancer. Xerostomia is often a distressing symptom, and is associated with a number of complications including oral discomfort, lip discomfort, cracking of lips, taste disturbances, difficulty chewing, difficulty swallowing, decreased intake of nutrition, oesophagitis, difficulty speaking, poor oral hygiene, halitosis, dental caries, salivary gland infections, oral candidiasis, pneumonia, dental demineralisation (causing dental sensitivity), denture fitting problems, oesophagitis, sleep disturbance, embarrassment, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

The aforementioned literature review identified the need for observational studies to determine the prevalence, clinical features, "risk factors" and aetiologies for taste disturbance- this data would facilitate targeted screening for the problem. Studies have shown that taste disturbances and xerostomia often co-exist. To the researcher's knowledge, there no evidence on the effect of xerostomia or its treatment on taste problems. This study will explore the relationship between xerostomia and taste problems in patients with advanced cancer.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Taste, Altered Xerostomia Neoplasms

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* 18 years of age
* Diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic cancer
* Referred to palliative care/oncology services
* Dry mouth rated 'moderate' or worse over previous 2-week period
* Taste problems rated 'moderate' or worse over previous 2-week period
* Good understanding of English

Exclusion Criteria

* Cognitive impairment (unable to provide consent / complete questionnaire)
* Dry mouth precedes cancer diagnosis.
* Taste problems precedes cancer diagnosis.
* Head and neck surgery
* Head and neck radiotherapy
* Salivary gland disorders (e.g., Sjogren's Syndrome)
* In the 'Deteriorating' or 'Terminal' Phase of illness
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Prof Andrew Davies

Professor of Palliative Medicine

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Andrew Davies, FRCP

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services

Dublin, , Ireland

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Ireland

Central Contacts

Reach out to these primary contacts for questions about participation or study logistics.

Andrew Davies, FRCP

Role: CONTACT

0035314986235

Marie Hannon, BSc

Role: CONTACT

+35314912558

Facility Contacts

Find local site contact details for specific facilities participating in the trial.

Andrew Davies, FRCP

Role: primary

0035314986235

Marie Hannon, BSc

Role: backup

0035314912558

References

Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.

Hannon M, Shaw A, Connolly M, Davies A. Taste disturbance in patients with advanced cancer: a scoping review of clinical features and complications. Support Care Cancer. 2023 Sep 6;31(10):562. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08012-x.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 37672147 (View on PubMed)

Davies A, Buchanan A, Todd J, Gregory A, Batsari KM. Oral symptoms in patients with advanced cancer: an observational study using a novel oral symptom assessment scale. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Aug;29(8):4357-4364. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05903-1. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33416995 (View on PubMed)

McGettigan N, Dhuibhir PU, Barrett M, Sui J, Balding L, Higgins S, O'Leary N, Kennedy A, Walsh D. Subjective and Objective Assessment of Taste and Smell Sensation in Advanced Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2019 Aug;36(8):688-696. doi: 10.1177/1049909119832836. Epub 2019 Mar 3.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 30827119 (View on PubMed)

Twycross RG, Lack SA (1986) Control of alimentary symptoms in far advanced cancer. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Kirkova J, Walsh D, Rybicki L, Davis MP, Aktas A, Tao Jin, Homsi J. Symptom severity and distress in advanced cancer. Palliat Med. 2010 Apr;24(3):330-9. doi: 10.1177/0269216309356380. Epub 2009 Dec 16.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20015920 (View on PubMed)

Webber K, Davies AN, Leach C, Waghorn M. Symptom prevalence and severity in palliative cancer medicine. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2023 Dec 7;13(e2):e270-e272. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002357.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 34130997 (View on PubMed)

Hutton JL, Baracos VE, Wismer WV. Chemosensory dysfunction is a primary factor in the evolution of declining nutritional status and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Feb;33(2):156-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.07.017.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 17280921 (View on PubMed)

Rydholm M, Strang P. Physical and psychosocial impact of xerostomia in palliative cancer care: a qualitative interview study. Int J Palliat Nurs. 2002 Jul;8(7):318-23. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2002.8.7.10671.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 12165715 (View on PubMed)

Davies AN, Broadley K, Beighton D. Xerostomia in patients with advanced cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2001 Oct;22(4):820-5. doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(01)00318-9.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 11576798 (View on PubMed)

Tsai JS, Wu CH, Chiu TY, Chen CY. Significance of symptom clustering in palliative care of advanced cancer patients. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010 Apr;39(4):655-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.09.005. Epub 2010 Mar 11.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20226623 (View on PubMed)

Walsh D, Rybicki L. Symptom clustering in advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2006 Aug;14(8):831-6. doi: 10.1007/s00520-005-0899-z. Epub 2006 Feb 16.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 16482450 (View on PubMed)

Hopcraft MS, Tan C. Xerostomia: an update for clinicians. Aust Dent J. 2010 Sep;55(3):238-44; quiz 353. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01229.x.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20887509 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

RS23-042

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.

Taste Alterations Study
NCT06669416 RECRUITING NA