TÜRKİYE KLİNİKLERİ, cilt.4, sa.1, ss.15-27, 2018 (Hakemli Dergi)
Weight loss occurs in 30-80% of cancer patients. Weight loss depends on the cancer
type, the effected organ-tissue, size and cell turnover. Weight loss is more aggressive in gastric and
pancreatic cancers. Patients frequently admit in higher stages of the diasease with severe weight loss.
Lung, prostate and colon cancer follow them according to prevalance of cachexia. Proteolysis inducing factor and inflammatory cytokines cause proteolysis and increased energy expenditure due
to hypercathabolic situation. Ghrelin receptor resistance causes anorexia. Localization of the tumour, surrounding tissue damage and adverse effects of the treatment procedures can also cause
anorexia and weight loss. Weight loss, especially decreased lean body mass, influences the success
of the treatment, increases the morbidity and mortality. A significant number of the patients die because of malnutrition and associated adverse events like infection, instead of the diasease itself.
Then, early nutrition assessment after the diagnosis is essential with regular visits during the follow-up. When diagnosed, malnutrition or malnutrition risk must be treated immediately