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Anorexia is one of the most prevalent clinical presentations seen associated with cancer. It is also one of the most difficult clinical presentations experienced by cancer patients during and after treatment. It is known that both the disease and its management may affect the trial of taste, smell and appetite for prolonged periods leading in many instances to malnutrition and cachexia. Anorexia is thus a cause of social concern the world over. The causes of anorexia in cancer are multiple. It can be due to defect in either central or peripheral mechanism for appetite or even due to toxicity of drugs consumed for cancer. Centrally it can occur due to depression and agonizing pain resulting in alteration of hypothalamic neurotransmitters that modulates feeding. Peripherally anorexia can be due to pro inflammatory cytokines, lactate, tryptophan etc. The anorectic effect of chemotherapy also alters the perception of taste.
Keywords: Cancer, anorexia, neurotransmitter, cytokines.