T-PAC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into taste problems associated with xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients with advanced cancer.
IRAS ID
345766
Contact name
Andrew Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Service
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Patients with advanced cancer often develop taste disturbances. 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 (i.e. avoidance of social eating), and an impaired quality of life.
A recent review of the literature identified that there is no agreed method for assessing subjective taste disturbances in this group of patients, there is a need for the development of a taste-specific assessment tool, validated for patients with advanced cancer. There is a need for a tool that not only assesses the problem and its impact but can also assess the response to treatment for the problem, utilising patient-reported outcome measures.
This study will explore the relationship between dry mouth and taste problems in patients with advanced cancer. This study aims to develop and validate an assessment tool for assessing the clinical features and impact of taste problems in patients with advanced cancer.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1039
Date of REC Opinion
14 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion