An Investigation Into Taste Problems Associated With Xerostomia in Patients With Advanced Cancer (NCT06287294) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
An Investigation Into Taste Problems Associated With Xerostomia in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Ireland120 participantsStarted 2023-08-30
Plain-language summary
Taste problems and xerostomia (dry mouth) are common among patients with advanced cancer. These symptoms can affect the pleasure of eating and drinking, reduce dietary intake, cause low mood, and a lower quality of life. This study will explore the relationship between dry mouth and taste problems in patients with advanced cancer.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years of age
* Diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic cancer
* Referred to palliative care/oncology services
* Dry mouth rated 'moderate' or worse over previous 2-week period
* Taste problems rated 'moderate' or worse over previous 2-week period
* Good understanding of English
Exclusion Criteria:
* Cognitive impairment (unable to provide consent / complete questionnaire)
* Dry mouth precedes cancer diagnosis.
* Taste problems precedes cancer diagnosis.
* Head and neck surgery
* Head and neck radiotherapy
* Salivary gland disorders (e.g., Sjogren's Syndrome)
* In the 'Deteriorating' or 'Terminal' Phase of illness
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
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?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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
1
To measure the prevalence of taste problems in patients with advanced cancer with a dry mouth using the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (questionnaire)
Timeframe: December 2025
2
To identify an association of any other oral symptoms present in patients with taste problems and dry mouth who have advanced cancer using the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (questionnaire)
Timeframe: December 2025
3
To characterise the taste disturbances i.e. to identify reduced taste, heightened taste, altered taste or no taste using the Taste Questionnaire in Palliative Care (questionnaire) and Waterless Empirical Taste Test (objective taste test)
Timeframe: December 2025
4
To identify what impact taste problems are having on patients dietary intake using the Taste Questionnaire in Palliative Care (questionnaire).
Timeframe: December 2025
5
To identify what impact taste problems are having on patients quality of life using the Taste Questionnaire in Palliative Care (questionnaire).