A novel approach for the management of taste disorders in cancer patients

Photobiomodulation therapy, a novel approach for the management of taste disorders in cancer patients? The LI-TASTE study (Light for TASTE)

In 2020, 115,000 Dutch patients were diagnosed with cancer. Up to 85% of patients treated with head-and-neck radiotherapy, chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation (SCT) suffer from taste disorders (dysgeusia). Dysgeusia is one of the most distressing adverse effects of cancer therapy, may be long-lasting, and may contribute to malnutrition and decreased quality of life (QoL). Dysgeusia pathobiology relates to direct damage to taste buds, neuropathy, and/or mucosal infection and inflammation. Hyposalivation and concurrent medications may also play a role. Zinc supplementation, clonazepam, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol have shown only limited success, and dysgeusia therefore represents a significant unmet clinical need.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, reduces oxidative stress and increases ATP production in cells, thereby improving cellular metabolism and reducing inflammation. PBMT is safe and effective for the prevention of oral mucositis and has been associated with pain reduction, nerve damage recovery, and improved wound healing. There is anecdotal evidence that PBMT may improve taste function, likely through its regenerative effects on taste buds and the nerves involved in taste perception. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) reported that PBMT prevented dysgeusia in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

Study design: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, randomized, controlled study to assess the efficacy of PBMT in preventing or reducing dysgeusia in patients with multiple myeloma treated at Amsterdam UMC with conditioning chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation. Patients were blinded and randomly assigned to receive either PBMT or sham PBMT.

Results: Patients who received PBMT experienced fewer taste changes than those who received sham PBMT. However, no differences were observed between the two groups in salivary flow or xerostomia.

Summary
Yearly, 120,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer. In 85% of patients, dysgeusia develops, which impairs nutrition and quality of life. Current treatments are ineffective. This study evaluates whether photobiomodulation therapy can prevent or reduce dysgeusia in stem-cell-transplant patients, using a randomized, controlled, blinded design at Amsterdam UMC.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
6 -7
Time period
36 months
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