Table 1. Summary of recommendations for the treatment of
cancer cachexia in patients with advanced cancer
Intervention
Strength of
recommendation
Strength of
the evidence Benefits
a
Harms
a
Nutritional Interventions
Dietary counseling Moderate in favor Low Moderate Low
Parenteral or enteral
nutrition (routine
use)
Moderate against Low Low Moderate
to high
Omega-3 fatty acids No
recommendation
Low Low Low
Vitamins, minerals,
and other dietary
supplements
No
recommendation
Low Low Low
Pharmacologic Interventions
Progesterone
analogs
Moderate in favor Intermediate Moderate Moderate
Corticosteroids Moderate in favor Intermediate Moderate Moderate
Anamorelin No
recommendation
(not commercially
available)
Intermediate Moderate Low
Olanzapine No
recommendation
Low Moderate Low
Androgens No
recommendation
Low Moderate Low
alidomide No
recommendation
Low Low Low
NSAIDs No
recommendation
Low Low Low
Cyproheptadine No
recommendation
Low None Low
Cannabinoids Weak against Low None Low
Treatment
