Assessment of the stage of cachexia associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: the CASCO instrument

OBJECTIVE: Carry out a literature review on the applicability of categorizing patients according to the severity of CAC associated with head and neck cancer, using the metric parameters of the CASCO instrument. METHODOLOGY: This is a literature review, in which 29 articles published in the last 10 years were analyzed, obtained through searches on the Scielo, Lilacs and PubMed platforms, using the descriptors: Cachexia; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Quality of Life. Cachexia associated with head and neck cancer, with a focus on the use of CASCO to stage this syndrome in patients affected by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). LITERATURE REVIEW: The use of CASCO allows for a more precise and personalized assessment, potentially improving clinical outcomes. The tool is essential for monitoring the progression of cachexia and adjusting treatment strategies, especially those with cancer of the oral and maxillofacial complex, due to the direct impacts on masticatory and swallowing function. CONCLUSION: It is important to use tools that classify patients according to the severity of cachexia associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, such as the CASCO.