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MCQ 16: Cachexia ManagementA 68-year-old man with pancreatic cancer has lost significant weight despite adequate calorie intake. Which intervention is LEAST likely to be beneficial?A. Megestrol acetateB. CorticosteroidsC. Nutritional supplementsD. Parenteral nutritionE. Treatment of underlying nausea/early satietyAnswer: Parenteral nutritionExplanation: In cancer-related cachexia, parenteral nutrition is generally not recommended as it doesn't improve outcomes and can increase complications. Megestrol acetate and corticosteroids can stimulate appetite and may provide short-term weight gain. Nutritional supplements can be helpful if the patient can tolerate them. Treating underlying symptoms like nausea or early satiety can improve oral intake. The focus in cachexia management is on quality of life and symptom control rather than reversing weight loss, especially in advanced disease.
