Current management of cancer-associated anorexia and weight loss

Loss of appetite and weight predict a poor prognosis for cancer patients. Although caloric supplementation might benefit subgroups of patients--specifically, perioperative, severely malnourished cancer patients, stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients and head and neck cancer patients--its use remains controversial and is not recommended for the majority of patients with cancer-associated weight loss. Most patients with advanced cancer, anorexia, and/or weight loss do not appear to benefit from nutritional supplementation. Instead, discussions with patients and families about realistic eating goals ans, at time armacologic interventions with progestational agents or corticosteroids--both of which are aimed at palliating anorexia--provide clinical benefit. Other phamalogic interventions such as eicosapentaenoic acid, thalidomide (Thalomid), adenosine triphosphate and nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory agents focus on the fact that cancer-assciated weight loss is an enitty dintinct for simple starvation These interventions promise to replenish lean tissue but require further investigation before they can be recommndedas standard clinical practice.