Updates in Cancer-Related Symptom Management of Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To provide current evidence and updates in cancer-related symptom management of cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS).

DATA SOURCES: Textbooks, journal articles, and the internet.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition and the treatment of CACS plays a pivotal role in multimodal cancer care. The pathophysiology of nutrition in patients with cancer is complex and requires active screening and interventions. Treatment of CACS should focus on antitumor treatment, nutrition intervention, supportive pharmacologic intervention and/or other interventions that improve clinical outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are in a pivotal position to provide proactive screening, assessment, clarify treatment options, and follow-up for patients with cancer and associated nutritional issues.