Treatment of taste alterations in chemotherapy patients using the “miracle fruit”: Preliminary analysis of a pilot study.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.e19523
• Publication Date: 2017-02-24T02:41:10Z
• Authors: H. P. Soares; M. Cusnir; M. A. Schwartz; J. F. Pizzolato; J. Lutzky; R. J. Campbell; J. L. Beaumont; D. Eton; S. Stonick; R. Lilenbaum
• Keywords: Dysgeusia; Discontinuation

e19523 Background: Patients undergoing chemotherapy often complain of alterations taste (dysgeusia), for which no conventional therapy exists. The African fruit Synsepalum dulcificum, or "Miracle Fruit" (MF), has been described as a powerful alteration product, converting sour to sweet taste. We conducted single institution trial assess whether the MF improves dysgeusia. Methods: with performance status 2 less, receiving cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, cisplatinum, gemcitibine, methotrexate, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan etoposide were included in study if they complained randomized crossover fashion immediately receive weeks (group A) after supportive measures alone B). Endpoints were: improvement (study powered detect 30% response MF, measured by Wickham questionnaire), weight changes, and quality life. was delivered directly from Fairchild Botanical Garden stored at Cancer Center under proper conditions. Results: From October 2008 November 2009, 28 planned 40 patients enrolled 23 are evaluable this analysis (12 group A 11 mean age is 63 years, 52% male, 78% have advanced disease. Nine (39%) GI cancers, 6 breast cancer, 8 other cancers. At baseline, 20 (87%) individuals metallic 7 follow-up visits required completed 56% subjects. Based on questionnaire, (30%) had taste, addition, (35%) believed that helpful. When considering least stabilization best rate 52%. There significant change during study. No grade 3 4 adverse effects reported. Stomach ache throat discomfort (grade 1) reported 1 patient each. Conclusions: Miracle Fruit safe use chemotherapy. In our preliminary analysis, appears encouraging. Pending final results, large confirmatory will be undertaken. financial relationships disclose.