Cachexia and anorexia: cancer's covert killer

Cachexia and anorexia are often not observed at the time of diagnosis of ca ncer. While the initial medical intervention for cancer patients includes a ntitumor therapy and pain management, the consequences of cachexia and anor exia may be ignored, to the detriment of the patient's quality of life and his or her potential response to chemotherapy. The importance of a well-def ined therapeutic strategy to treat cachexia is in order if the patient's ov erall wellbeing is to improve. Presented is a review of the pharmacological management of anorexia and cachexia, including a four-step ladder approach to medical management.