Prospective Evaluation of Taste Function In Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Prospective Evaluation of Gustatory Function (Taste) In Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

The purpose of this study is to study taste disturbances on patients with myeloma who received high dose melphalan.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 21 or above with diagnosis of multiple myeloma (myeloma is almost unheard of in patients less than 21 years of age).
• Scheduled to receive conditioning chemotherapy with melphalan followed by upfront or salvage autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• English or Spanish speaking
• Calculated creatinine clearance > 40 mL/min

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior head and neck radiation.
• Severe periodontal infection. Poor oral hygiene and dentition as determined by pre HCT dental assessment.
• Pregnancy
• Patients with pre-existing moderate-severe dysgeusia