Metallic taste prevalence in patients treated for cancer: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Determination of the optimal method for measuring malondialdehyde in human saliva

While few methodological studies have been published on the salivary measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), none have precisely detailed the analytical method. This work presents the development of an analytical method for MDA measurement in microvolumes of saliva samples from healthy individuals, using thiobarbituric acid derivatization and fluorescence reading of the formed compound. This method was progressively designed to meet specific constraints such as the limited sample volume available, cost-effectiveness of each assay, time required for analysis and costs. After studying the impact of various parameters, quantitative validation of this method was conducted using the accuracy profile. The study demonstrated that the fluorometric analysis method for salivary MDA accurately quantifies the concentration of this molecule within a validity range from 0.031 μM to 2.3 μM. Additionally, the accuracy profile allowed estimation of measurement uncertainty for each concentration level. It was determined that the calibration method using raw data was most appropriate as it introduced the least uncertainty in the obtained results.

Evolution of sexual health of patients with head and neck cancer before, during, and 1 year after treatment

PURPOSE

The impact of cancer and its treatments on sexuality is often overlooked, particularly in head and neck cancer. This study aimed to investigate the medium-term effects of head and neck cancer on sexual health and its correlation with overall quality of life.

METHODS

A cohort of 44 patients with head and neck cancer was prospectively followed from diagnosis to 1 year post-treatment. Sexual interest and enjoyment were assessed using the EORTC QLQ30 and HN35 questionnaires, alongside quality of life evaluations, conducted six to eight times over a year.

RESULTS

Sexual interest and enjoyment were compromised at diagnosis, further diminished during treatments, showed partial recovery post-treatment, and subsequently declined again. A significant association between sexual well-being and overall quality of life impairments was noted. Questions regarding sexuality constituted a substantial proportion of unanswered queries, indicating patient discomfort.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to understanding the medium-term repercussions of head and neck cancer on the sexual health and highlights the need for enhanced support strategies. Addressing sexual health needs in head and neck cancer survivors requires a multifaceted approach, including improved patient-provider communication and integration into comprehensive cancer care plans.

The influence of pediatric cancer treatment on taste perception and food hedonics: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Children with cancer are at risk of poor nutritional status during treatment and into survivorship. Objectively measured taste perception and self-reported food hedonics are 2 factors that may influence food intake.

OBJECTIVE

This 2-armed systematic review examined whether chemotherapy and radiotherapy affect (1) taste perception and (2) hedonic experiences of children and survivors of childhood cancer.

DATA SOURCE

A 2-armed systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and PsychInfo database until June 2022. The effects of cancer treatment on objective taste perception or food hedonics (ie, food liking or aversion and appetite) were examined.

DATA EXTRACTION

Peer-reviewed articles published in English of studies that included children (aged <18 years) or survivors of childhood cancer (any age) were reviewed. Risk of bias was determined using the Evidence Analysis Library by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

DATA ANALYSIS

A total of 1417 articles in the taste search arm and 3862 articles in the hedonics search arm were identified. Of these, 9 and 4 articles were eligible for review, respectively. Cancer treatment had highly variable effects on taste perception during treatment and into survivorship. Learned food aversions were experienced by children receiving chemotherapy treatment and liking of meats and salty foods by children with cancer was affected. The impact of treatment on appetite varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer treatment did not uniformly affect taste perception. Food liking may be negatively affected, and learned food aversions may develop during cancer treatment. To establish the clinical relevance of childhood cancer treatment on taste perception and food hedonics, more research is required.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no.CRD42020207127.

The nutritional impact of metallic taste in head and neck cancer patients: explorations and clinical implications

PURPOSE

Metallic taste (MT) is frequently observed during head and neck cancer treatments, but very little is known about its impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of MT on the quality of life and nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer expressing MT.

METHODS

Questionnaires on quality of life, MT, weight, and food intake were filled out by 44 patients with head and neck cancer before, during, and up to 1 year after their treatment. Patients were divided into two groups based on their reported experience of MT.

RESULTS

MT was commonly observed (n = 12, 27.2%), always during the treatment phase, and mostly linked with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Reported MT intensity was moderate (n = 6, 40%) to high (n = 4, 26.7%). MT had a significant negative impact on quality of life linked to dysgeusia (p = 0.025). The negative impacts of MT on food intake and on weight were not significant, possibly due to a combination of sample size, dropouts, and duration of observation. Further research in this area could provide additional insights into how to better address the issue related to MT and enhance the quality of care provided to this patient population.

CONCLUSION

Metallic taste, experienced by 27.2% of the 44 patients with head and neck cancer, contributes to dysgeusia and results in a significant decline in quality of life associated with dysgeusia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration number: NCT03558789.

Taste and Smell Alterations (TSAs) in Cancer Patients

Recently, smell and taste disorders have seen renewed interest, as these symptoms are frequent complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, since approximately 60% of patients affected by COVID-19 have shown olfactory and gustatory alterations. Otolaryngology pays attention to taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs), especially when associated with oncology. TSAs are common symptoms in people affected by cancer, yet they are ignored and underestimated. The clinical outcome of TSAs in cancer evidences the importance of identifying them with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in general, and they are associated with many types of cancer. We recognize the findings of the literature on TSAs in cancer, evaluating how it is important to consider and identify these disorders concerning reduced food enjoyment or inappropriate nutrient intake, and modulating the nutritional status, quality of life, and impact of therapy. This review aims to critically evaluate and recognize the assessment and clinical perspectives of taste and smell disorders in a cancer population.

Infection and innate immune mechanism of goose astrovirus

Goose astrovirus (GAstV, genus Avian Astrovirus, family Astrovirus) was first discovered in 2005, but was not considered as a pathogen of gosling gout until 2016. Since then, goose astrovirus has erupted in Chinese goslings, causing at most 50% of gosling deaths. By December 2022, the disease had become epidemic and prevailed in goose farms in Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui, Henan, Guangdong, Liaoning, Sichuan and other places in China. The disease mainly affects goslings within 3 weeks old. The typical symptoms of goose astrovirus are large deposits of urate in the viscera, joint cavity and ureter surface of infected goslings. Goose astrovirus infection can trigger high levels of iNOS, limiting goose astrovirus replication. The ORF2 domain P2 of the goose astrovirus activates the OASL protein, limiting its replication. Goose astrovirus can also activate pattern recognition receptors (RIG-I, MDA-5, TLR-3), causing an increase in MHC-Ia, MHC-Ib and CD81 mRNA, activating humoral and cellular immunity, thereby hindering virus invasion. Goose astrovirus also regulates the activation of IFNs and other antiviral proteins (Mx1, IFITM3, and PKR) in the spleens and kidneys to inhibit viral replication. The innate immune response process in goslings also activates TGF-β, which may be closely related to the immune escape of goose astrovirus. Gaining insight into the infection and innate immune mechanism of goose astrovirus can help researchers study and prevent the severe disease in goslings better.