Research Report
Effect of Alternative Olfactory by Chemotherapy on the Food Intake and QOL in Cancer Patients
2009 Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 23-32
Details
2009 Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 23-32
Abstract
We aimed to clarify the relationships between olfactory alterations from chemotherapy and food intake, appetite, and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients.
Thirty-one patients with hematopoietic tumors, in a general hospital, were registered in the study. Olfactory testing using a TÅïT olfact meter was performed 4 times before therapy, on the 3rd day and 7th day of chemotherapy and at 2 weeks after the termination of chemotherapy.
During chemotherapy the patients who were aware of alterations in olfactory functioning (35.0%) were affected the most on the 3rd day after initiation of chemotherapy. In fact, in female patients, the % olfactory recognition threshold significantly increased on the 3rd day. Alterations in olfactory sensation were: smell sensitivity increased (66.7%) and changed into unpleasant smell (50.0%). The % change of olfactory detection threshold was significantly decreased on the 7th day. Correlation analysis revealed that % olfactory recognition threshold had a significantly negative correlation with appetite, food intake and QOL.
We clarified that the patients appeared to have a heightened sensitivity to odors, yet olfactory recognition decreased from the chemotherapy. Thus, we suggest that alterations of olfactory recognition decreased appetite, food intake and QOL in the patients undergoing chemotherapy.
