Endocrinopathies and cancer cachexia

Rony Dev, Egidio Del Fabbro, Shalini Dalal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewCancer cachexia cannot be easily reversed by standard nutritional support and interventions directed at underlying metabolic derangements may be needed to prevent or reverse cachexia and maintain healthy body composition. The following review will highlight the contribution and potential therapeutic interventions for insulin resistance, alterations in ghrelin signaling, and hypogonadism in cancer patients.Recent findingsIn addition to decreased caloric intake, chronic inflammation, and altered metabolism of glucose, proteins and lipids, endocrine abnormalities can propagate weight loss or changes in body composition in cancer patients.SummaryCancer cachexia, loss of muscle mass with or without the loss of fat mass, is a multifactorial syndrome, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, limited therapeutic options for the treatment of weight loss in cancer patients exist, which lead to clinically meaningful improvements in weight gain and performance status. Treatment directed at underlying insulin resistance, low testosterone, and altered ghrelin sensitivity, in the future, may lead to potential therapeutic options for loss of lean body mass and cancer cachexia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)286-291
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cachexia
  • cancer
  • ghrelin
  • hypogonadism
  • insulin resistance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Oncology(nursing)
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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