Anorexia in patients with cancer with special references on its association with early changes in food-intake behavior chemotherapeutic treatment and adjuvant enteral nutrition (review).
Anorexia defined as decreased appetite resulting in fatigue, change of body image and weight loss is stated to be fundamental to the syndrome of cancer cachexia. Weight loss is the most apparent symptom of anorexia and cachexia, and occurs quite frequently in patients with cancer. Interest in the pathogenetic mechanisms, is due to the strong association between weight loss and lower duality and quantity of life. This review discusses anorexia in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, particularly the effect of taste alterations and chemotherapy; and the long-term acceptability and effect of oral nutritional support and drug therapy.