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Biomarkers for cancer cachexia: is there also a genetic component to cachexia?

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Supportive Care in Cancer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 22 February 2008

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer cachexia is a severe debilitating disorder, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. In clinical practice, cachexia is often not treated until a late stage, when therapeutic options are limited.

Objective

It is therefore of great interest to analyse early biomarkers of this syndrome.

Conclusion

In this review article, we summarise recent biomarkers found in various body compartments. We also explore the likelihood of a genetic predisposition to cachexia and focus on the potential role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes coding for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and ‘atrogenes’ associated with wasting in skeletal muscle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical and Surgical Sciences (Surgery), School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, The University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH15 4SA, UK

    B. H. L. Tan, D. A. C. Deans, R. J. E. Skipworth, J. A. Ross & K. C. H. Fearon

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  1. B. H. L. Tan
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  2. D. A. C. Deans
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  3. R. J. E. Skipworth
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  4. J. A. Ross
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  5. K. C. H. Fearon
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Correspondence to B. H. L. Tan.

Additional information

An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0414-4

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Tan, B.H.L., Deans, D.A.C., Skipworth, R.J.E. et al. Biomarkers for cancer cachexia: is there also a genetic component to cachexia?. Support Care Cancer 16, 229–234 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0367-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0367-z

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