Symptom Series: Anorexia and Cachexia.

Anorexia/cachexia syndrome is being progressively recognized as a serious aspect of advanced or terminal illness. This paper focuses on its assessment and management, which is complicated by numerous obstacles. These include a lack of clear definitions and guidelines, inconsistency in assessment and management strategies, and knowledge deficits regarding this complex clinical syndrome in health professionals and caregiving families. It focuses on the inherent role of palliative care providers as leaders striving to support, understand, and translate the developing evidence that guides our care. The complex and potentially devastating impact of this problem demands a holistic response. Palliative care nurses are optimally situated to coordinate and administer the necessary multidisciplinary approach to address anorexia and cachexia in advanced, progressive disease.