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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold TDT Test
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Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold TDT Test

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Taste and smell alterations affect nutritional status in children under chemotherapy

Audrey Grain1,2, Margaux Camuset1, Christèle Gras-Leguen3

  • 1Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Department, CHU of Nantes, Nantes, France.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Taste and smell alterations (TSA) affect over 70% of pediatric cancer patients during chemotherapy, impacting appetite and potentially leading to weight loss. Early detection of TSA is crucial for managing nutritional status in these young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Chemotherapy Side Effects

Background:

  • Taste and smell alterations (TSA) are common chemotherapy side effects in pediatric cancer patients.
  • The impact of TSA on nutritional status in this vulnerable population requires further investigation.
  • A validated tool for detecting TSA in children undergoing chemotherapy is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of TSA in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • To assess the impact of TSA on nutritional status and eating behavior.
  • To develop and validate a composite score (Gustonco) for detecting TSA in children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy was studied.
  • Taste and smell alterations were assessed using the Gustonco questionnaire.
  • Eating behavior and nutritional status (including major weight loss) were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months post-chemotherapy initiation.

Main Results:

  • TSA were reported by 71.7% of patients at 1 month, persisting at 3 and 6 months.
  • Altered appetite was observed from 1 month onwards.
  • A high Gustonco score at 6 months was associated with major weight loss.

Conclusions:

  • Chemotherapy frequently causes taste and smell alterations in pediatric cancer patients.
  • These sensory changes are linked to impaired nutritional status, particularly evident at 6 months post-chemotherapy.
  • The Gustonco score shows potential for detecting TSA and its association with nutritional outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
chemotherapychildrensmelltasteundernutrition

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