Correlation between taste and smell alterations and quality of life in patients treated with radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a cross-sectional study in China

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09484-9
• Publication Date: 2025-04-29T07:46:04Z
• Authors: Haixin Liang; Huan Yang; Li Yin; Lan Wang; Enmei Jiu; Bin Li; Huarong Pang
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Pain medicine

Taste and smell alterations (TSAs) in nasopharyngeal cancer patients negatively impact their quality of life. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence TSAs with carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy exploring correlation between The research was a cross-sectional survey conducted from June 2023 to March 2024 which Smell Survey (TSS) questionnaires were administered 135 receiving for cancer. mean total score on TSS scale 9.37 ± 4.595. A higher indicates more alterations. We enrolled patients, 91.1% whom reported taste smell. severity classified as mild (6.7%), moderate (33.3%), severe (51.1%). occurrence changes sensitivity salty, sweet, sour, bitter flavors 66.7%, 52.6%, 53.3%, respectively, while olfactory found 48.9% patients. Notably, statistically significant cumulative dose (p < 0.05). significantly correlated anxiety overall life are prevalent among carcinoma, majority experiencing findings underscore importance implementing targeted interventions address sensory improve patients' psychological well-being quality.