Should Loss of Appetite Be Palliated in Patients with Advanced Cancer?

Opinion statementLoss of appetite is common among patients with advanced cancer. However, it remains controversial how, when, and if to palliate this symptom. Here, we provide an update on recent as well as past literature to address the question of whether loss of appetite should be palliated in patients with advanced cancer. In our opinion-and as discussed here-we believe that this symptom should be palliated, although perhaps not always with pharmacologic interventions.

Automated summary

Loss of appetite is common among patients with advanced cancer, and there is controversy over how to palliate this symptom. Studies suggest that palliating this symptom is advisable, although pharmacologic interventions may not always be necessary.