The purpose of this research study is to determine if using a lactoferrin supplement will improve taste perception. Lactoferrin is a type of protein that is naturally produced in the body and is commonly found in saliva.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess the impact of lactoferrin (bovine lactoferrin) supplementation on self-reported taste and smell disturbances in patients with colorectal cancer receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess the impact of lactoferrin supplementation on the baseline lipid peroxidation byproducts in saliva in these patients as measured by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) assay.

II. To assess the impact of lactoferrin supplementation on the ability of these patients to generate increased lipid peroxidation byproducts when challenged with a weak iron containing solution.

III. To assess the impact of lactoferrin supplementation on self-reported general quality of life and on specific self-reported anorexia/cachexia issues in patients with established chemotherapy-induced taste disturbances.

IV. To assess the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with oxaliplatin-based therapy induced taste changes

OUTLINE:

Patients receive bovine lactoferrin orally (PO) (rinse or tablet) thrice daily (TID) for 1 month. Treatment continues in the absence of unacceptable toxicity.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 2 and 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma

• There are no restrictions on the amount or types of prior therapy

• Eligible patients must be receiving ongoing chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin containing-regimen which is planned to continue for at least one month following enrollment in this trial

• Any dose or schedule of oxaliplatin administration is allowed as long as patients have self-reported taste disturbance that has either:

  • 1) developed since the initiation of oxaliplatin-based therapy, or
  • 2) a pre-existing, treatment-induced taste disturbance has subjectively worsened since initiating oxaliplatin-based therapy

• Patients must have normal baseline self-reported taste perception prior to the development of colorectal carcinoma

• Life expectancy of >= 3 months

• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a subjective history of an extreme dry mouth syndrome that prevents them from producing adequate amounts of saliva (approximately 2 mL in 15-20 min)
• Patients known to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive
• Patients with any of the following conditions: untreated gastrointestinal reflux disease; untreated diabetes mellitus; active thrush; active oral infection; active mucositis
• Patients who are known to be pregnant or who are breastfeeding are excluded