Pancreatic Cancer and Cachexia-Metabolic Mechanisms and Novel Insights

Nutrients. 2020 May 26;12(6):1543. doi: 10.3390/nu12061543.

Abstract

Cachexia is a major characteristic of multiple non-malignant diseases, advanced and metastatic cancers and it is highly prevalent in pancreatic cancer, affecting almost 70-80% of the patients. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial condition accompanied by compromised appetite and changes in body composition, i.e., loss of fat. It is associated with lower effectiveness of treatment, compromised quality of life, and higher mortality. Understanding the complex pathways underlying the pathophysiology of cancer cachexia, new therapeutic targets will be unraveled. The interplay between tumor and host factors, such as cytokines, holds a central role in cachexia pathophysiology. Cytokines are possibly responsible for anorexia, hypermetabolism, muscle proteolysis, and apoptosis. In particular, cachexia in pancreatic cancer might be the result of the surgical removal of pancreas parts. In recent years, many studies have been carried out to identify an effective treatment algorithm for cachexia. Choosing the most appropriate treatment, the clinical effect and the risk of adverse effects should be taken under consideration. The purpose of this review is to highlight the pathophysiological mechanisms as well as the current ways of cachexia treatment in the pharmaceutical and the nutrition field.

Keywords: cachexia; pancreatic cancer; systemic inflammatory response.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anorexia
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Appetite
  • Body Composition
  • Cachexia / drug therapy
  • Cachexia / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / physiology
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Progesterone / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Zinc / deficiency

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Insulin
  • Progesterone
  • Zinc