A Critical Assessment of the Outcome Measures and Goals of Intervention in Cancer Cachexia

  • Kenneth C. H. Fearon
  • Richard J. E. Skipwoth
Chapter

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial, multifaceted problem for which there is no uniform pathophysiological or clinical definition [1]. It is generally accepted as a complex syndrome with several cardinal features, including anorexia, early satiety, severe weight loss, muscle wasting, ischaemia, anaemia and oedema [2]. The essential characteristic that distinguishes cachexia from simple starvation is that the features of cachexia cannot be readily reversed by nutritional support alone [3].

Keywords

Total Energy Expenditure Cancer Cachexia Reduce Food Intake Rest Energy Expenditure Cachexia Syndrome 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Italia 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  • Kenneth C. H. Fearon
    • 1
  • Richard J. E. Skipwoth
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences (Surgery)The University of EdinburghRoyal InfirmaryUK

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