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Anorexia and cachexia in advanced cancer patients
A Vigano1, S Watanabe, E Bruera
1Palliative Care Program, Edmonton General Hospital, Canada.
Cancer Surveys
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Cachexia, a cancer complication, involves metabolic and immune changes causing anorexia and weight loss. Current treatments focus on symptom management rather than aggressive nutritional support.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolism
- Immunology
Background:
- Cachexia is a common, severe complication in advanced cancer patients.
- It is characterized by anorexia, nausea, asthenia, and body image changes.
- Tumor-induced metabolic alterations and immune responses are key pathophysiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of cancer cachexia.
- To discuss current nutritional and pharmacological management strategies.
- To identify areas for future research in cancer cachexia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of cancer cachexia.
- Analysis of the efficacy of nutritional interventions.
- Evaluation of pharmacological agents for anorexia and nausea.
Main Results:
- Aggressive nutritional interventions have not demonstrated significant benefit.
- Management should prioritize symptom control, particularly nausea.
- Pharmacological options for anorexia include corticosteroids, megestrol acetate, and others.
Conclusions:
- Cancer cachexia requires a multifaceted management approach focusing on symptom relief.
- Enteral nutrition may be considered in specific cases.
- Further research is needed to understand pathophysiology and optimize interventions.