In the pathogenesis of cancer anorexia, cytokines appear to play a key role. Their increased expression during tumor growth inhibits the hypothalamus to appropriately respond to peripheral signals, by persistently activating the melanocortin system and inhibiting the neuropeptide Y neuronal pathway. Hypothalamic monoaminergic neurotransmission may significantly contribute to these effects. Thus, interfering pharmacologically with cytokine expression or hypothalamic monoaminergic neurotransmissions is an effective therapeutic strategy in anorectic cancer patients.