Abstract：Abstract: Objective Taste alterations (TAs) are common symptoms in cancer patients. The mechanisms of cancer-related
TAs are complex. By literature search, we found that the related research in China was very limited. The impact of TAs to patients
was often ignored during the cancer clinical care. The objective of this article is to investigate the symptoms, mechanisms, impact
and treatment of cancer-related TAs. Methods Literature search for cancer-related TAs was performed in PubMed up to July 2015,
resulting 88 articles. We picked up the key information from each article and integrate them together into every conclusion. Results
Symptoms of cancer-related TAs including changes in taste acuity& taste quality, food aversion and xerostomia. Mechanisms of TAs
could be damages in sensory receptor cells, abnormal neuronal activity, mucositis and zinc depletion. TAs has impact on patient’s
weight loss and quality of life. Treatment methods include protection of healthy tissue, medication therapy, educations and self-care
strategies. Conclusions TAs are very common symptoms in cancer patients. The symptoms can strongly impact patient’s nutritional
status and quality of life. Personalized treatment strategies are necessary in the clinical cares of cancer patients.
2015, Vol. 2 
