Cachexia is a complex and multi-organ syndrome that is associated with cancer and affects quality of life. It is characterized by progressive and often severe weight loss, mainly due to the loss of skeletal muscle and, often, fat tissue. Unlike the weight loss that arises from starvation, cachexia cannot be fully reversed by nutritional interventions, and the condition is often accompanied by inflammation, metabolic dysregulation and reduced physical capabilities1. Writing in Nature, Bhatt et al.2 report identifying RNA-expression patterns associated with cachexia in skeletal muscle, which might lead to new treatment targets.
Competing Interests
M.J-.H. has received funding from CRUK, NIH National Cancer Institute, IASLC International Lung Cancer Foundation, Lung Cancer Research Foundation, Rosetrees Trust, UKI NETs and NIHR. M.J-.H. has also consulted for Astex Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and Achilles Therapeutics, is a member of the Achilles Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board and Steering Committee and has received speaker honoraria from Pfizer.
