The cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To review the research related to the anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with cancer, with attention to the etiology and symptomatic treatment.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review using MEDLINE.


CONCLUSIONS
The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a common problem in advanced cancer. Although many possible etiologies have been investigated, the cause has not been determined. Appropriate clinical evaluation is necessary to identify those patients who may respond to available, symptomatic treatments.
Nelson
K A
KA
Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
Walsh
D
D
Sheehan
F A
FA
D000818:Animals; D000855:Anorexia / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D002100:Cachexia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*