Understanding New Cachexia Subtypes Through Observational Epidemiological Research

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To identify multiple distinct diagnostic phenotypes within the syndrome of cancer cachexia as defined by host characteristics (e.g. cachexia symptoms, physical activity, physical function, blood biomarkers, and body composition) at baseline and change in these factors over time in patients with cancer at high risk for cancer cachexia. II. To determine the association of each cancer cachexia phenotype with overall survival. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the association of each cancer cachexia phenotype with functional decline and treatment intolerance. II. To inform clinical practice guidelines for prompt recognition of patients likely to progress to refractory cachexia, identify early predictors apparent at clinical presentation of each cancer cachexia phenotype defined in the primary objective.