Homoeriodictyol Sodium Mouthwash to Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Bitter Taste Disorders - a Pilot Study

Background: More than 75% of women with cancer experience taste disorders during adjuvant chemotherapy. Bitter phantogeusia is particularly limiting. This can lead to impaired food intake with reduced energy intake, as well as changes in body composition, a reduced quality of life, and weight loss.

Study Objective: The objective of this pilot phase of the study is, on one hand, to evaluate taste testing during chemotherapy and, on the other hand, to significantly reduce bitter phantogeusia by using a mouthwash containing homoeriodictyol (HED) immediately before consuming main meals. Taste testing during chemotherapy will be evaluated as part of a pilot study.

Methods: As part of a pilot study, taste sensitivity is assessed before the start of chemotherapy and during chemotherapy. This phase of the study includes 40 patients undergoing chemotherapy. Taste sensitivity assessments are conducted before the start of chemotherapy and during the third cycle of chemotherapy, and blood samples are also collected. Food intake is assessed once a week using a 24-hour recall, and saliva samples are collected during the third cycle of chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Aim of this study is to evaluate changes in taste perception during chemotherapy and to demonstrate a reduction in bitter phantogeusia following the use of a HED mouthwash in women with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

At a later stage, a controlled study is planned. In the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, patients with bitter phantogeusia during chemotherapy will be included. The primary endpoint will be the measured reduction in the perception of bitterness from 500 ppm caffeine between week 1 and week 3. This is intended to improve food intake and body composition and counteract treatment-related weight loss.