Olfactory and gustatory disorders in oncology

We are proud to share a recent student project that highlights the value of reliable smell and taste testing in academic research. As part of her Bachelor’s thesis in Dietetics at the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten (Austria), one of our customers used our olfactory and gustatory test materials to explore the role of sensory perception in nutrition and health.

In the blog below, she reflects on her experience, methodology, and findings, offering an inspiring look at how sensory science can support evidence-based dietary practice. We are delighted that our products could contribute to her work and hope her insights will inspire others in the fields of dietetics, health sciences, and sensory research.

Bachelor thesis

For the completion of my Dietetics degree, I focused my bachelor’s thesis on olfactory and gustatory disorders in oncology and developed a practice-oriented guideline on this topic. These sensory disturbances can occur due to the tumor itself or because of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Although they are common, they are often not recognized or not adequately diagnosed in clinical practice.

A central part of my guideline is therefore the diagnostic process and the question of which methods are realistic and useful within a dietetic context. In addition to the subjective perception of patients, objective diagnostic tools play an important role. During my research, I repeatedly came across the products from Sense Trading. The Sniffin’ Sticks and Taste Strips are frequently used to reliably identify olfactory and gustatory dysfunction.

To gain a clearer understanding of how these tests work, I contacted the company directly and was kindly provided with a complete Screening 12 Test as well as Taste Strips. These materials supported me not only in the development of my written work but also during my final examination, where I had to present my thesis. The Screening 12 Test and the Taste Strips served as effective demonstration materials, helping to make the practical aspects of sensory diagnostics more tangible for the examination committee.

Insights

What I found especially interesting and honestly also quite amusing was conducting the tests with different people and evaluating the results. Through this hands-on experience, I gained a clear understanding of which aspects are truly important in the diagnosis of olfactory and gustatory disorders. From proper test instructions to accurate evaluation and interpretation. These insights have significantly enriched both my guideline and my overall perspective on the topic.