Journal of Cytology & Histology

Cancer Associated Cachexia; Etiopathogenesis, Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Mohamed Hassan, Abdelouahid El-khattouiti, Youssef Haikel and Mossaad Megahed

Cachexia is a multifunctional syndrome that is characterized by anorexia and extensive loss of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, is common in many chronic and advanced diseases. Most of cancer patients show variable patterns of body loss that is known as cancer associated cachexia (CAC). Although CAC share common characteristics, the severity of this disease is variable, and seems to be tumor type, site and stage-dependent. The etiology of cachexia is attributed to abnormal metabolism that is thought to be mediated by tumor- and host-derived cytokines and factors. Although the role of cytokines in the etiology of CAC has been reported, the molecular mechanisms regulating its occurrence in cancer patients are not described in details. This review focuses on the etiopathogenesis of CAC and the underlying mechanisms.