Understanding Cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer

One of the major comorbidities of cancer and cancer therapy is posing a global health problem in cancer cachexia. Cancer cachexia is now considered a multifactorial syndrome that presents with drastic loss of body weight, anorexia, asthenia, and anemia. Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at a greater risk for development and severity of cachexia syndrome as there is direct involvement of structures associated with nutritional intake. Yet, the scientific evidence, approach, and management of cachexia in HNCs are yet to be largely explored. The article aims to succinctly review the concepts of cancer cachexia with relevance to HNCs and summarizes the current findings from recent research.

Automated summary

Cancer cachexia, a major comorbidity of cancer and cancer therapy, is now considered a multifactorial syndrome characterized by drastic weight loss, anorexia, asthenia, and anemia. Head and neck cancer patients are at greater risk for developing and experiencing severe cachexia syndrome, but the scientific evidence, approach, and management in this population have not been thoroughly explored.