NCT06669416 · Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Taste Alterations Study
(TAS)
What this study is about
The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does completing a standard assessment increase the detection of chemotherapy induced taste changes compared with usual care (no assessment)? What TA are experienced? Are there any patterns in TA symptom occurrence based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, chemotherapy agent, etc. 2.
View original scientific description
The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does completing a standard assessment increase the detection of chemotherapy induced taste changes compared with usual care (no assessment)? What TA are experienced? Are there any patterns in TA symptom occurrence based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, chemotherapy agent, etc. 2. Do patients take action to deal with the TA? What strategies are used? Do patients in the intervention group use the assessments to select interventions? 3. Do the interventions lessen TA symptoms and maintain food intake? Is the treatment (in-depth assessment and education) more effective in lessening the intensity of TA than usual care? Which level of assessment is needed to support symptom management to reduce symptom severity? Participants will: Complete baseline assessment before starting their initial chemotherapy infusion (all patients) Participate in baseline patient education based on assigned intervention (usual care vs. treatment) Engage in TA management between chemotherapy infusion clinic visits based on education Visit the clinic for chemotherapy infusions as scheduled; Complete TA assessments and reporting based on intervention; Work with nurse coaches to answer questions and help with the intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Taste Alteration Self-Assessment
The nurse-led intervention involves using a valid/reliable TA assessment tool (Chemotherapy-induced Taste Alterations Scale (CiTAS) and teaching the patient to select assessment-driven interventions to manage TA symptoms.
BEHAVIORAL
Taste Alternation Self-Management
The nurse-led intervention involves teaching the patient to use the assessments and the evidence-based Patient Education Sheet to select assessment-driven interventions to manage their symptoms. Data will be collected about the specific actions prescribed in the teaching tool and to identify which interventions were used and their overall impact.
Primary outcome measures
Taste Alteration Severity
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months.
A single item question with ordinal rating will be used to confirm taste alterations and evaluate severity of TA (control) The CiTAS tool (18 item ordinal rating tool) will be used to confirm taste alterations and evaluate severity of TA (treatment)
Body mass index (BMI)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months.
BMI is measured to monitor for changes in weight relative to height; It is used to monitor for changes in weight that may indicate that patient is experiencing weight loss during chemotherapy treatment.
Dietary intake
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months.
All patients will be asked to report number of meals/day, number of snacks/day, and number of supplements per day as an estimate of food intake during chemotherapy.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Medical diagnosis of cancer with types limited to the top cancer types \[Note: Cancer types that are rare will be excluded\]
- Initiating chemotherapy (first day/first cycle) at participating clinics
- English speaking/reading (without an interpreter)
Exclusion criteria
- Substitute decision-maker (activated)
- History of head/neck cancer or irradiation
- Known genetic/metabolic disorder impacting taste (preexisting dysgeusia)
- Known eating disorder
- Receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition (special nutritional needs)
- Pregnant women (unique needs)
- Patients with medical orders for end of life/hospice care
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations