[Wasting syndrome in cancer patients: pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and drug therapy]

Wasting is a syndrome related to patient functional impairment that characterizes many conditions, including cancer. The development of wasting includes changes in the metabolism, as well as in hormones and other cell mediators, which trigger a syndrome that cannot be solved by forced nutrient ingestion. The goal of this study is to review the pathophysiological components of wasting, as well as its clinical manifestations and the available specific drug therapy options for the treatment of this condition. To this end, a review of papers published during the last four years has been carried out. The treatment of wasting with drugs includes a number of combination therapies for the underlying condition, nutritional support administration, and specific drug therapy for the wasting clinical picture. Currently, the clinical efficacy of cyproheptadine, hydrazine and pentoxyfilline in the treatment of anorexia is uncertain. Only progestagen derivatives have shown to increase appetite and food intake, and to improve nutritional status, in these patients. Corticoids also appear to increase appetite, but their effects are short-lasting.