Hypoglossal Acupuncture for Dysgeusia in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Taste disorders are frequent side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy (CTX). Dysguesia has prevalence rates of 16% to 1000% during CTX with sometimes also persistent courses. Impact of dysguesia on appetite, body weight as well as health-related quality of life was shown. Until now, evidence for adequate treatment options is limited to specific diary recommendations. Acupuncture in the treatment of side effects of chemotherapy was investigated for nausea and xerostomia, but not for dysguesia. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to investigate hypoglossal acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture and standard medical treatment (dietary recommendations) in the treatment of dysgeusia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Initial treatment with platinum-containing or taxane-based CTX (regardless of the the length of the CTX cycle)
• Senological, gynecological or internistic tumors
• Phantogeusia (on average ≥4 NRS)
• Willingness to participate in the study and written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Severe stomatitis
• Dysgeusia before the CTX based on neurological diseases, diabetes, or the ingestion of drugs with taste disorders as side effects
• Leucopenia/neutropenia
• Intake of anticoagulants
• Smoking
• Severe physical or mental comorbidity (due to which the patient is unable to participate in the study)
• Participation in other CAM treatments within the integrative oncology care
• Participation in other studies on the effectiveness of interventions for oral complications