Cachexia in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial complex syndrome characterized by pathophysiological changes that alter body composition, quality of life, morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. CC is characterized by muscle depletion, with or without loss of adipose tissue, which cannot be completely reversed by current treatments. The pathogenesis of CC is multifactorial, including anorexia, metabolic alterations and increased muscle proteolysis. Despite the growing understanding of CC, it is clinically under-recognized and frequently untreated. Identification of patients with pre-cachexia is of crucial importance for effective interventions. Integration of novel biological treatments with nutritional support and physical activity is a very promising strategy for multimodal anticancer therapies.