Anti-cytokine strategies for the treatment of cancer-related anorexia and cachexia.
BACKGROUND
Cachexia is a syndrome characterized by body weight loss and metabolic abnormalities. It is a frequent feature of patients affected by chronic pathologies, including cancer. Neoplastic patients with cachexia show increased morbidity and mortality rates, benefit less from antineoplastic therapies, and have a poorer quality of life. Among the general mechanisms proposed to account for cachexia, anorexia and altered homeostasis of hormones and cytokines appear to play a major role.


METHODS
The present review will focus on anti-inflammatory drugs useful for the treatment of cancer-related anorexia and cachexia.


RESULTS
Molecules able to block cytokine production or biological activity are currently under evaluation. At present, none of them has been authorized for the clinical treatment of cancer-related anorexia and cachexia, since the few published clinical trials lead to contrasting results, and others are still pending.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the multifactorial pathogenesis of cancer-related anorexia and cachexia, combination protocols are probably the better choice. In this regard, anti-cytokine strategies should be pursued and included in the treatment of neoplastic patients, although cytokines modulate a number of processes.
Penna
Fabio
F
University of Turin, Department of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, Turin, Italy.
Minero
Valerio G
VG
Costamagna
Domiziana
D
Bonelli
Gabriella
G
Baccino
Francesco M
FM
Costelli
Paola
P
D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D056724:Immunity, Humoral / Q000187:drug effects*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators