Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome associated with the presence of uncontrolled malignancy and usually characterized by loss of appetite (anorexia), weight loss, and weakness. Cancer anorexia/cachexia is commonly seen in advanced malignancy, involving up to 85% of patients with cancer (1). This syndrome can occur early in the course of cancer in a minority of patients (2). Cancer anorexia/cachexia leads to inanition and may be the most direct cause of death in some patients. In addition, anorexia/cachexia can cause major physical and psychological morbidity, and usually signifies a poor prognosis (3).
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Supportive Care in Cancer |
| Subtitle of host publication | A Handbook for Oncologists |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Pages | 297-308 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780203909799 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780824719982 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)