A hunger for hunger: a review of palliative therapies for cancer-associated anorexia

Ann Palliat Med. 2019 Jan;8(1):50-58. doi: 10.21037/apm.2018.05.08. Epub 2018 May 24.

Abstract

Cancer-associated anorexia, or loss of appetite, is prevalent, distressing to patients and their families, and associated with poorer outcomes in patients with advanced cancer. A well-defined therapeutic strategy remains to be defined. We present here a review of appetite loss in cancer patients with a summary of how best to manage this symptom.

Keywords: Loss of appetite; anorexia; appetite stimulants; cancer; nutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Anorexia / etiology
  • Anorexia / therapy*
  • Appetite Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Cachexia / etiology
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrazines / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Oligopeptides / therapeutic use
  • Palliative Care / methods*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Appetite Stimulants
  • Cannabinoids
  • Hydrazines
  • Oligopeptides
  • anamorelin