CompletedNot Applicable

Individual Food Preferences for the Mediterranean Diet in Cancer Patients

France116 participantsStarted 2023-09-04

Plain-language summary

This is an exploratory study aimed at characterizing adherence to the Mediterranean diet among patients undergoing treatment for cancer, in relation to sensory alterations that occur during treatment. The primary strength of this project lies in the consideration of a large number of variables that scientific literature has shown to play a significant role in the dietary behavior of patients. The project's multidisciplinary approach, which takes into account both sensory perception and psychological dimensions, can enrich scientific knowledge on the subject, enabling a better understanding of the dietary behaviors of cancer patients undergoing treatment. One of the main strengths of the project is that taste and smell reactivity will be tested using a combined approach that includes the evaluation of responses to PROP (Propylthiouracil - a bitter compound), selected aromas and odors, responses to model foods belonging to the Mediterranean diet in which the intensities of selected sensory properties are expected to be affected by chemotherapy (e.g., sweetness and freshness). To date, no study has investigated adherence to the Mediterranean diet in such a wide range of patients. The choice of a Mediterranean diet framework is based on evidence defining this type of diet as a health promoter, improving health and preventing diseases and health complications. The Mediterranean diet includes the food variety present in the specific region chosen for the study, ensuring variety and availability of local products. The selection of the Antoine Lacassagne Center in Nice is based on the need to study the dietary preferences of a Mediterranean population familiar with Mediterranean diet products. This project could serve as the foundation for a dietary development aspect, in which foods adapted to cancer patients will be created and tested to mitigate issues of malnutrition. Expected Benefits Addressing the scientific question regarding the impact of sensory and psychological variables on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and dietary behavior of cancer patients undergoing treatment will help identify individual variables to consider in assisting patients in adopting health-promoting behavior and reducing malnutrition. Expected Risks The research project does not involve maneuvers or the implementation of care procedures other than those to which patients would be subjected if they were not participating in the study. This research involves no specific risks, except for possible risks of allergies or food intolerances related to the sensory testing session. The dietary models used only include food ingredients normally available in markets. In order to test the taste sensitivity index, the response to propylthiouracil (PROP) will be evaluated using paper discs previously soaked in a solution composed of water and PROP according to the method of Zhao et al. (2003). This procedure has been safely used in children as well as in several studies (including patients undergoing chemotherapy) approved by ethics committees in multiple institutes from various countries. Scientific Impact The project will provide information about the variables that impact the dietary behavior of patients undergoing chemotherapy. This knowledge will be useful in developing principles that contribute to reducing malnutrition rates in oncology patients. Methodology This is an exploratory study aimed at characterizing adherence to the Mediterranean diet among patients with cancer undergoing treatment, who may experience changes in their relationship with food as well as their dietary behavior. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet will be studied in cancer patients at T0 (before the start of treatment) and at T1 (after 9 weeks of treatment). A comparison will be made between patients without sensory alterations and patients with taste and/or smell alterations at T1. The psychological and sensory variables impacting dietary behavior will also be measured and correlated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the presence or absence of sensory alterations.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged 18-70 years old, * Patient cared for at the Center Antoine Lacassagne (CAL) Day Hospital and needing to start chemotherapy or immunotherapy, * Patient to return to the Antoine Lacassagne center in their 9th week of therapy, * Patient who has not received chemotherapy or specific treatment in the 3 months prior to inclusion (wash-out period of 3 months), * Patient having read the information note and having attested to his non-objection * Patient not having objected to the use of this data in the context of medical research * Patient affiliated with a Social Security scheme. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to eat, or patient with enteral/parenteral nutrition, * Patient who has undergone gastric surgery, * Patient undergoing radiotherapy at the level of the ENT sphere (due to the possibility of affection of the mouth due to the RTH), * Patient with cancer of the ENT sphere (upper aerodigestive tract), * Patient with an allergy or intolerance to one of the foods offered during the sensory test sessions * Vulnerable persons as defined in article L1121-5 to -8: * Pregnant women, parturients and breastfeeding mothers, * Persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, persons hospitalized without consent under Articles L. 3212-1 and L. 3213-1 who do not fall under the provisions of Article L. 1121-8, * and persons admitted to a health or social establishment for purposes other than research, * Adults subject to a lega…

Questions worth asking your doctor

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1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

role of sensory alterations

Timeframe: 9 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06058312

SponsorCentre Antoine Lacassagne

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-07-04

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