Update on the treatment of cancer cachexia

Cancer cachexia is a complex multifaceted syndrome involving functional impairment and changes in body composition that cannot be reversed by nutritional support. Cancer cachexia is characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass, increased lipolysis, and decreased food intake. Cancer cachexia decreases chemotherapy tolerance as well as quality of life. However, because no fully effective interventions are available, cancer cachexia remains an unmet need in cancer treatment. In recent years, several discoveries and treatments for cancer cachexia have been studied, and guidelines have been published. We believe that the development of effective strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer cachexia will lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome involving functional impairment and body composition changes that cannot be reversed by nutritional support. It decreases skeletal muscle mass, increases lipolysis, and reduces food intake. As no effective interventions are currently available, it remains an unmet need in cancer treatment. However, recent discoveries and treatments, along with published guidelines, provide hope for developing effective strategies to diagnose and treat cancer cachexia, which could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.