Unlocking the Complex Flavors of Dysgeusia after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2018 Mar;24(3):425-432. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.10.022. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

Abstract

Dysgeusia is a frequently occurring symptom after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) that has important long-term effects on physical, nutritional, and immunologic recovery, as well as on quality of life. Despite the relevance of this symptom, the study of dysgeusia in patients undergoing HCT has been limited, owing in part to its complexity. In this article, we review normal taste function and its clinical evaluation, discuss how dysgeusia uniquely affects patients undergoing HCT, and examine distinct, transplantation-related contributors to dysgeusia that may help elucidate strategies to ultimately reduce this symptom burden after transplantation.

Keywords: Dysgeusia; Hematopoietic cell transplantation; Taste disturbances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dysgeusia* / etiology
  • Dysgeusia* / metabolism
  • Dysgeusia* / pathology
  • Dysgeusia* / physiopathology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans