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The cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome: Therapeutic challenges

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Abstract

The cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome is characterized by loss of weight, loss of appetite, overall decline in quality of life, and shortened survival in patients with advanced incurable cancer. It is highly prevalent. To date, treatment options that have been firmly established with good scientific evidence are limited to progestational agents and corticosteroids, both of which have been demonstrated to improve appetite but have otherwise failed to have a favorable impact on some of the other aspects of this syndrome. As the mechanisms behind this syndrome are further elucidated, more effective therapeutic strategies will likely emerge.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Karin F. Giordano MD & Aminah Jatoi MD

Authors
  1. Karin F. Giordano MD
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  2. Aminah Jatoi MD
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Giordano, K.F., Jatoi, A. The cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome: Therapeutic challenges. Curr Oncol Rep 7, 271–276 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-005-0050-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-005-0050-9

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