Correlation between taste and smell alterations and quality of survival in patients treated with radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a cross-sectional study in China

Abstract Purpose This study aims to assess the prevalence of taste and smell alterations in patients undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to explore the correlation between these alterations and quality of life.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024, utilizing the Taste and Smell Survey (TSS) questionnaire administered to 135 patients receiving radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer.Results The mean total score on the TSS scale was 9.37 ± 4.595. Among the participants, 91.1% reported alterations in taste and smell, with only 12 cases (8.9%) showing no changes. The severity of alterations was classified as mild in 9 cases (6.7%), moderate in 45 cases (33.3%), and severe in 69 cases (51.1%). The rates of changes in taste sensitivity for salty, sweet, sour, and bitter flavors were 66.7%, 52.6%, 52.6%, and 53.3%, respectively, while olfactory sensitivity changes were reported in 48.9% of patients. Notably, alterations in taste and smell were significantly correlated with anxiety and overall quality of survival scores (P < 0.05).Conclusion Alterations in taste and smell are prevalent among patients undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with the majority experiencing moderate to severe changes. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these sensory alterations and their association with psychological well-being and survival quality in targeted interventions.