The Oncoflavour Study

Product Validation by Cancer Patients - Oncoflavour

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are often prescribed for malnourished patients to help improve nutritional status. Commonly in cancer patients taste and smell alterations and side effects of treatment can affect the palatability and compliance to ONS. A variety of flavours and styles are available of ONS however research of the palatability of these in cancer patients is limited. This study aims to evaluate specific flavours created based on the taste changes occuring during treatment.

We aim to evaluate the patient liking and evaluation of 5 flavors in 3 different types of flavour-sensations:

• Warming/spicy sensation: to trigger the senses and bring new sensations
• Cooling/fresh sensation: to have a fresh mouthfeel and lighter base perception
• Neutral: to avoid that patients experience additional flavour and let them the opportunity to mix it with other food

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years old
• Ability to complete and comprehend questionnaires provided
• Undergoing systemic cancer treatment (chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the patient to comply with the protocol requirements (no impairment and no cognitive impairments)
• Coexisting-morbidities affecting taste or smell function
• Lactose Intolerance or Galactosaemia
• Dysphagia
• Diabetics
• Food allergies/intolerances to ingredients present in the product
• No rejection of lemon, red fruits, exotic fruit, yellow fruit flavours.