Predictors of dysgeusia in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with chemo-IMRT

Dysgeusia is significant factor reducing quality of life and worsening dysphagia in patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. We investigated effects of doses to the oral cavity, salivary output (required to dissolve food particles) and patient-reported xerostomia, on patient-reported dysgeusia in a prospective study. Our main findings were significant effect of oral cavity doses ( D50=53 Gy at 3 months), and patient-reported xerostomia, but not salivary flow rates, on severity of dysgeusia.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Clinical Investigation Source Type: research