The influence of radiation dose on taste impairment in a prospective observational study cohort of oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Background: To analyze the influence of radiation dose on late radiation-associated taste impairment in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa as organ at risk.

Material And Methods: This study is part of an ongoing, prospective observational study. Cancer-free OPC survivors with at least 24 months from IMRT were included in this analysis.

Development and validation of a contouring guideline for the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa.

Purpose: To introduce a contouring guideline for the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa for head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Methods And Materials: CT simulation images of oropharyngeal cancer patients were used to delineate both the whole tongue (extrinsic/intrinsic tongue muscles, floor of mouth) and the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa (method A: adaptation of the whole tongue structure; method B: axial adaptation of a mid-sagittal contour). Volumetric and dosimetric parameters of the whole tongue and the two methods of mucosal delineation, spatial overlap between methods A and B, and inter-observer variability for method B were calculated.

The impact of tongue-deviating and tongue-depressing oral stents on long-term radiation-associated symptoms in oropharyngeal cancer survivors.

Objectives: To evaluate whether the use of oral stents during intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is associated with long-term patient reported symptoms.

Materials And Methods: Data was obtained from a prospective observational study of disease-free head and neck cancer survivors. Radiation-associated patient reported symptoms were assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Head and Neck module (MDASI-HN).

Prospective observational evaluation of radiation-induced late taste impairment kinetics in oropharyngeal cancer patients: Potential for improvement over time?

Background And Purpose: Taste impairment is a common radiation-induced toxicity in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients acutely. However, data on the potential for recovery and the time dependent course of late taste impairment are limited.

Materials And Methods: As part of an IRB-approved observational prospective study, HNC patients underwent serial surveys including the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory - Head and Neck module (MDASI-HN).

Radiation-Related Alterations of Taste Function in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: a Systematic Review.

Taste sensation is vital for a healthy body as it influences our food intake, acts as a defense mechanism and elicits pleasure. Majority of the head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy suffer from altered taste function and often complain of inability to taste their food, reduced food intake, and weakness. However, there are not many studies conducted to assess this commonly reported side effect.