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).
