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Cancer Cachexia — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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HardSupportive & Palliative OncologyCancer CachexiaSCE Medical Oncology

A patient with advanced cancer has anorexia from cachexia, an estimated prognosis of 6 weeks and wishes to improve appetite for an important family event in 10 days. There is no delirium or bowel obstruction. Which counselling statement best reflects ESMO evidence for a short corticosteroid trial?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — It may improve appetite transiently for about 2 to 3 weeks, without proven weight or survival gain

Option C is correct: corticosteroids can provide a short-lived appetite benefit suited to a time-limited goal, but do not restore weight or survival. Option E overclaims anabolic and survival effects. Option A overstates duration. Option D is false, and option B adds burdensome nutrition without evidence that it is required for the appetite effect.

Reference: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline: cancer cachexia. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8233663/