Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Cancer-related anorexia (CRA) is a common and distressing symptom in patients with cancer. It affects nutritional status, treatment tolerance, and quality of life. This narrative review examines the molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and current management of CRA from a clinical perspective. Existing interventions include nutritional counselling, oral nutritional supplements, and enteral or parenteral nutrition when indicated. Pharmacological options such as megestrol acetate and low-dose olanzapine have shown benefit in appetite stimulation, though their use requires careful patient selection. Several therapeutic approaches are under active investigation, including anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, and agents targeting the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) pathway. Melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists have also emerged as candidate treatments in preclinical and early-phase studies. Multimodal strategies combining nutritional support with pharmacological and exercise-based interventions are increasingly recognised as the most practical framework for clinical care. This review summarises the molecular basis, clinical features, risk factors, and contemporary treatment strategies for CRA, with particular emphasis on evolving pharmacological and multimodal strategies. The goal is to give clinicians a practical reference to improve patients' nutritional status and overall well-being during cancer treatment.
Source: Cancer Management and Research
DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s632267
Authors: Xin Fang, Xinyan Wang, Xinyu Qian
Institutions: Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W7224089096