Modern management of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
The cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome is common, occurring in 80% of patients with advanced-stage cancer, and it is one of the most frequent causes of death in patients with cancer. It is a complex problem involving abnormalities in protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Tumors have both direct and indirect effects that result in anorexia and weight loss. The disease burden does not necessarily correlate with the degree of cachexia. In addition to the physical manifestations, the resulting abnormalities have a significant psychologic effect on patients and their families. Although there is no treatment to reverse the process, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures can enhance food intake and improve quality of life.
Nelson
K A
KA
The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine (A World Health Organization Demonstration Project), The Taussig Cancer Center of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, M76, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. nelsonk1@ccf.org
D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010166:Palliative Care; D019282:Wasting Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology