The association between chemotherapy-induced taste alteration and prognostic nutritional index in patients with breast cancer

This study aims to evaluate the effects of changes in taste perception changes on the nutritional status of women diagnosed with breast cancer during chemotherapy and to examine their association with the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). The study was conducted in two phases—before and after chemotherapy—with a total of 69 patients. Data were collected using the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CITAS), and biochemical parameters were used to calculate PNI. According to the findings, 98% of the patients reported experiencing taste alterations following chemotherapy. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, food aversions, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth accompanied these changes, resulting in decreased energy and protein intake. Consequently, reductions were observed in body weight, serum albumin levels, and lymphocyte counts, which were reflected as significant declines in PNI values. Results from the Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that taste changes had a statistically significant effect on nutritional status (p < 0.001). In addition, a marked decrease in PNI values was observed after chemotherapy, indicating deterioration in both immune function and general nutritional condition. In conclusion, monitoring taste alterations during chemotherapy, providing counseling to patients, and implementing individualized nutritional interventions play a critical role in improving treatment outcomes and enhancing quality of life.