What side effect is associated with the use of glucocorticoids in cancer treatment?

The use of glucocorticoids in cancer treatment is associated with increased appetite and weight gain due to their metabolic effects. These medications can stimulate appetite and alter metabolism, often leading to a redistribution of body fat and increased caloric intake. This side effect can be particularly relevant for patients who are undergoing treatments that may already affect their nutritional status or appetite.

Glucocorticoids can also influence other metabolic processes, potentially leading to fluid retention and changes in blood sugar levels, which can further contribute to weight gain over time. Their impact on appetite can be beneficial for some patients, particularly those experiencing cachexia or weight loss due to cancer or its treatments.

In contrast, hair loss is more commonly associated with chemotherapy rather than glucocorticoids specifically, while nausea and vomiting are typical side effects linked to many chemotherapeutic agents rather than glucocorticoids alone. Anemia can occur in cancer patients as a result of the disease itself or the effects of chemotherapy or radiation, but it is not a direct side effect of glucocorticoid use. This context highlights the specific role glucocorticoids play in treatment and their associated effects on appetite and weight gain.