pubmed-article:16721127 | pubmed:abstractText | Cachexia, the occurrence of involuntary weight loss due to loss of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle mass, is among the most common and devastating symptoms in patients with advanced cancer. It is a significant factor contributing to the poor performance status and high mortality rate of these patients, and is a distressing problem for both patients and their families. Despite extensive research in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms involved, progress in the management of cancer cachexia has been slow. | lld:pubmed |