Prevalence and risk factors of chemotherapy-induced taste alterations among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced taste alterations (CiTA) are significant predictors of gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and poor prognosis. However, the prevalence and risk factors of CiTA vary substantially between studies. This study aimed to synthesize the prevalence and risk factors of CiTA among cancer patients.

Methods

Eight databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and Weipu database) were retrieved to collect observational studies regarding the prevalence or risk factors of CiTA published before June 1, 2024. The random effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify heterogeneity across studies. For the same risk factor, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results

In total, 30 studies with 15,722 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of CiTA was 70.0% (95% CI: 59.1%–79.9%, I² = 99.4%), ranging from 21.0% to 100.0%. Female (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.59 to 4.22), patients with xerostomia (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.81), oral mucositis/ulcers (OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.46 to 9.47), receiving not less than 2 chemotherapy cycles (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 3.20 to 4.88) were more likely to develop CiTA.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CiTA among cancer patients was alarmingly high. Female, xerostomia, oral mucositis/ulcers, receiving not less than 2 chemotherapy cycles were significant risk factors of CiTA. Healthcare practitioners should identify high-risk patients and develop targeted interventions to manage CiTA based on identified risk factors.