Pathogenic Mechanisms and Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer-Related Anorexia
10.3971/j.issn.1000-8578.2026.26.0046
- VernacularTitle:癌性厌食的病理机制与诊疗进展
- Author:
Zehao LIU
1
;
Miao XU
1
;
Peng XUE
2
;
Shijie ZHU
2
;
Feiyu XIE
3
Author Information
1. Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
2. Oncology Department of Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100102, China.
3. Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China.
- Publication Type:REVIEWS
- Keywords:
Cancer-related anorexia;
Pathogenesis;
Diagnosis;
Comprehensive treatment
- From:
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment
2026;53(8):616-624
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cancer-related anorexia (CRA) is a common and severe complication of malignant tumors. It is characterized by persistent appetite loss, early satiety, and reduced food intake. It directly leads to malnutrition, decreased treatment tolerance, reduced quality of life, and worsened prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving a multilayered network of interactions, including the dysregulation of the hypothalamic feeding center, imbalance of peripheral appetite hormones and systemic inflammatory mediators, and actions of tumor-derived factors. It is also highly influenced by anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Current clinical management is dominated by multimodal comprehensive therapy based on progestogens, glucocorticoids and prokinetic agents, combined with nutritional support, rehabilitation exercise, psychological intervention and traditional Chinese medicine. However, highly effective approaches capable of fundamentally reversing the disease course of CRA are still lacking. This article provides a systematic review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical assessment tools, and comprehensive treatment strategies for CRA. It also presents a discussion on future research directions based on the latest advances to provide a theoretical basis and reference for optimizing clinical practice and developing novel intervention strategies.
