Learn → Glossary → clinical condition

Cancer Cachexia

Multifactorial syndrome of involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and inflammation specific to cancer, even with adequate intake.

Driven by tumor- and host-derived cytokines (TNF-alpha = cachectin, IL-1, IL-6) and nutrition impact symptoms (anorexia, nausea, dysgeusia, mucositis, dysphagia). Cannot be fully reversed by nutrition support alone; treatment combines tumor-directed therapy, anti-inflammatory and orexigenic drugs (megestrol, olanzapine), nutrition support, and resistance exercise. A major contributor to mortality in advanced cancer.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 36

    Driven by tumor- and host-derived cytokines (TNF-alpha = cachectin, IL-1, IL-6) and nutrition impact symptoms (anorexia, nausea, dysgeusia, mucositis, dysphagia). Cannot be fully reversed by nutrition support alone; treatment combines tumor-directed therapy, anti-inflammatory and orexigenic drugs (megestrol, olanzapine), nutrition support, and resistance exercise. A major contributor to mortality in advanced cancer.

Related terms

Cachexia, Cytokines, Nutrition Impact Symptoms