Miracle fruit tested as taste saver for head and neck cancer patients

NCT ID NCT05273307

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase 3 trial tests whether a 'miracle fruit' cube (miraculin) can improve taste loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Taste problems are common and hard to treat during radiation. The study will compare the fruit cube to a placebo in 40 patients, measuring changes in taste perception and diet over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: miraculin (miracle fruit cube)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, natural way to help cancer patients enjoy food again during radiation treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be modest and temporary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms Taste Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER TASTE DYSFUNCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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