Cancer cachexia update in head and neck cancer: Definitions and diagnostic features

Marion E. Couch, Kim Dittus, Michael J. Toth, Monte S. Willis, Denis C. Guttridge, Jonathan R. George, Christie A. Barnes, Christine G. Gourin, Hirak Der-Torossian

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cachexia is a profoundly debilitating wasting syndrome that affects patients with head and neck cancer and often contributes to their demise. A comprehensive literature search was performed up to April 2013 using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and the Google search engine. For the meta-analyses, pooled prevalence estimates were calculated with a confidence interval of 95% (95% CI) by using random effects modeling. In this review, we outlined the unique challenges of cancer cachexia among patients with head and neck cancer by reviewing its impacts on quality of life (QOL), morbidity, and mortality. We explored the prevalence of different clinical markers of cachexia at the time of diagnosis and before and after treatment. Finally, we present updates regarding the diagnosis of cancer cachexia and recent findings, such as cardiac dysfunction that warrant clinical attention to more carefully identify patients at risk and potentially lead to better outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)594-604
Number of pages11
JournalHead and Neck
Volume37
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cancer cachexia and anorexia
  • cardiac dysfunction
  • head and neck cancer
  • meta-analysis
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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