title: Clinical evaluation and optimal management of cancer cachexia.
abstract: Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a complex metabolic syndrome, different from malnutrition and sarcopenia, which is very common in cancer patients. Treatment for CACS is based on nutritional support and CACS pathophysiology-modulating drugs. The most commonly used are megestrol acetate (MA) and corticosteroids. The efficacy of MA has been confirmed by multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses. Glucocorticoids are also effective but should only be used for short periods and in selected cases. Future strategies should include intensified research into potentially effective drugs (ω-3 fatty acids, thalidomide, cannabinoids, ghrelin, bortezomib, and COX-2 inhibitors), combined treatment and new drugs (anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies, melanocortin, β-2 antagonists, and androgen receptor-modulating analogues). We propose a review based on the literature on the pathophysiology of CACS, the diagnostic criteria and treatment, and future strategies.
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona University, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: atuca@clinic.ub.es.
authors: Albert
authors: A
authors: Tuca
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Jimenez-Fonseca
authors: Pere
authors: P
authors: Gascón
mesh_terms: D002100:Cachexia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Anorexia; Cachexia; Cancer; Malnutrition; Megestrol acetate