Prophylactic Intervention for Dysgeusia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Radio(Chemo)Therapy

Taste changes, also called dysgeusia, affect 56-76% of patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy). These taste changes can make eating difficult, lead to weight loss, and reduce quality of life. Despite how common and impactful this problem is, there are very few standardized tools in speech-language therapy to assess or prevent it. The aim of this study is to develop and test a preventive rehabilitation program for taste function. Eighty patients will be divided into two groups. The experimental group will receive a specific speech-language therapy intervention focused on taste for four weeks. This intervention includes: salivary gland massage to stimulate saliva production, internal cryotherapy to keep the mouth moist and improve sensitivity, and taste training using four basic tastes at different intensity levels. The effects of the intervention will be assessed before radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy), at the end of treatment, and then 1, 3, 6 months, and 2 years after treatment. Assessment will include clinical tests, saliva measurements, taste detection and recognition tests, and quality-of-life questionnaires. This clinical intervention aims to detect taste changes early and prevent them, helping to improve patients' comfort and nutrition.

Inclusion Criteria: * HNC patients undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy Exclusion Criteria: * cognitive impairments * dementia * altered states of consciousness