Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration.

This article focuses on chemotherapy-induced taste alteration (TA), also known as dysgeusia, a common adverse effect of chemotherapy that negatively impacts patients’ dietary intake, nutritional status, quality of life, and overall prognosis. It highlights the lack of standardized assessment and limited research on effective interventions for TA, emphasizing the importance of thorough nursing assessment using validated tools such as the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS), a self-report instrument measuring changes in five taste sensations. The review notes that early identification and patient education about TA can help mitigate complications like malnutrition, though evidence supporting specific treatments remains limited. Emerging interventions such as photobiomodulation and the use of miracle fruit show potential but require further rigorous study. Integrating standardized TA assessment into clinical practice is recommended to improve patient outcomes during chemotherapy.