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Updated: May 28, 2026

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
Published on: November 30, 2016
Exploring autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia: a pilot study
Alpna Chauhan1, Ashika Sequeria, Cathann Manderson
1Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Introduction:
Abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have been associated with cachexia.
Methods:
In nine cancer patients who had lost weight and nine age-matched healthy volunteers heart rate variability (HRV) components were determined, together with serum cortisol and urinary catecholamines/metanephrines.
Results:
Compared to volunteers, patients exhibited a global reduction in HRV parameters, significantly so for high frequency, low frequency and total power (median values ms(2) 103 vs. 313, 62 vs. 148 and 316 vs. 736 respectively, P<0.05). Biochemical values did not differ.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest the presence of ANS dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia, with reduction in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components.
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