Work

Cancer Cachexia, Recent Advances, and Future Directions

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: Cancer cachexia is defined as a multifactorial syndrome characterized by an ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass with or without loss of fat mass. The syndrome cannot be fully reversed by conventional nutritional support, and despite an increased number of studies related to cancer cachexia, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly defined, and therapeutic options are limited. This review focuses on recent studies investigating mechanisms and pathways in cancer cachexia. The role of molecular and functional imaging in identifying cachexia at an earlier stage, in identifying potential metabolic targets and pathways, and in assessing treatment efficacy is also reviewed.

Source: The Cancer Journal

DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000100

Authors: Marie-France Penet, Zaver M. Bhujwalla

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition and Health in Aging

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute