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Updated: May 1, 2026
08:55
The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
Published on: November 30, 2016
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Autonomic dysfunction in cancer cachexia coincides with large fiber polyneuropathy
Thomas Hundsberger1, Aurelius Omlin2, Stefan Haegele-Link3
1Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cantonal Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|April 9, 2014
Summary
Cancer cachexia is linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and large fiber polyneuropathy. Sympathetic nervous system impairment appears significant in cachexia, suggesting new treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cancer cachexia affects most solid malignancy patients, potentially via paraneoplastic mechanisms.
- Autonomic dysfunction is observed in cancer patients, but peripheral nervous system evaluation is incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of autonomic and peripheral nervous systems in cancer cachexia.
- To guide potential therapeutic strategies for cancer cachexia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of cachectic cancer patients using heart rate variability (HRV) for parasympathetic function.
- Assessed sympathetic noradrenergic (Valsalva maneuver) and cholinergic (sympathetic skin response) systems.
- Included orthostatic testing, continuous blood pressure monitoring, and neurological examinations (nerve conduction studies, EMG).
Main Results:
- 13 patients (median age 66) were studied; 12/13 showed autonomic abnormalities.
- Sympathetic noradrenergic and cholinergic abnormalities found in 6 patients each; 5 had orthostatic hypotension.
- Asymptomatic large fiber polyneuropathy detected in 8 patients; parasympathetic dysfunction was rare.
Conclusions:
- Large fiber polyneuropathy is associated with autonomic dysfunction in cancer cachexia.
- Sympathetic nervous system impairment plays a significant role in cancer cachexia.
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