Anorexia–cachexia

Abstract Anorexia–cachexia afflicts a high proportion of patients with cancer and other chronic diseases in their advanced stages. Anorexia–cachexia is a problem which may be most clearly appreciated by caregivers, whose effort to adopt a nourishing role is frustrated. An onerous burden of care inexorably falls upon them, affecting their own health, mobility, and savings. For many patients, anorexia–cachexia commonly results in hospitalization for prolonged periods, thus further creating costs for their families and the State where public health programmes exist. The primary events driving cachexia include anorexia and altered metabolism. Tumour—derived factors instigate, and immune- and central nervous systems amplify and propagate anorexia-cachexia. Systematic screening for anorexia-achexia is needed to support early initiation of treatment. Active management of symptoms, amelioration of food intake (nutritional support), suppression of inflammation-related metabolic change (anti-inflammatory drugs or nutrients) and physical activity are needed. Novel therapeutic targets for anorexia-cachexia are currently under investigation.