Journal of Digestive Cancer Research

Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Cancer Research (대한소화기암연구학회)
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Cancer Cachexia in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Recent Advances and New Therapeutic Approach

  • Sang Hoon Lee (Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Moon Jae Chung (Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2015.12.16
  • Accepted : 2015.12.21
  • Published : 2015.12.31
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Abstract

About 80% of all pancreatic cancer patients suffer from a wasting syndrome defined as the cancer cachexia characterized by abnormally low weight, weakness, and loss of skeletal muscle mass, which directly impacts physical activity, quality of life and overall survival. Over the past decades, we have gained new insights into the underlying mechanism of cachexia associated with pancreatic cancer. The aim of this review was to explore recent findings about cancer cachexia pathophysiology and describe the current pharmacologic approach. Pancreatic cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome mediated by mechanical factors, inflammatory cytokines, neuropeptides, hormones and tumor-derived factors. The treatment of cancer cachexia remains controversial but is currently an active area of research. Several new targeted drugs are under investigation, and we hope to open a new prospect in the management of cancer cachexia in the future.

Keywords

References

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