Synsepalum dulcificum and Varied Taste Occurring Postradiation Trial

Abstract

Objective: Postirradiation gustatory dysfunction (PIGD), which may cause malnutrition, is common in patients with head/neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy (XRT). Synsepalum dulcificum (miracle fruit) changes taste transduction mechanisms of certain substances. This investigation addresses whether S dulcificum can improve PIGD and result in weight augmentation in head/neck cancer patients.

Method: Sixteen patients meeting criteria were separated into 2 groups based on timing after XRT. In a double-blind randomized fashion, patients were assigned miracle fruit or placebo. A series of taste batteries/questionnaires were performed. Patients were given a 1-month supply of test substance. We measured pre- and posttrial weight.

Results: Fifty-four percent of patients subjectively reported that sweet tastes were most adversely affected by XRT; however, objectively all patients correctly identified sweet tastes while 30% of patients answered sour tastes incorrectly. The majority of patients in both groups had a positive response to sour tastes with S dulcificum when compared to placebo (not statistically significant). Weight gain was slightly greater in both groups with S dulcificum when compared to placebo (not statistically significant). Inter-group analyses did not yield significant differences.

Conclusion: In the treatment of PIGD, S dulcificum may be an effective treatment for patients with sour dysfunction but may not be effective in augmenting weight. It appears to work similarly in irradiation patients regardless of time after radiation. A larger N may help to obtain more significant findings.