An update: cancer-associated anorexia as a treatment target.

Loss of appetite is pervasive among patients with advanced cancer. Cancer patients cite it as one of their most troubling symptoms. To date, however, palliative options remain limited. Megestrol acetate and dexamethasone provide only modest relief. Novel agents such as thalidomide, adenosine triphosphate, and other cytokine inhibitors merit further investigation.