Skeletal Muscle Loss during Multikinase Inhibitors Therapy: Molecular Pathways, Clinical Implications, and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Muscle Physiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Muscle wasting (sarcopenia) is linked to poor chemotherapy tolerance and survival in cancer patients.
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), while advancing cancer treatment, can exacerbate muscle wasting.
• The clinical impact of skeletal muscle loss during TKI therapy is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review molecular pathways of TKIs implicated in muscle wasting.
• To analyze studies on TKI effects (sorafenib, regorafenib, sunitinib, lenvatinib) on muscle mass.
• To discuss nutritional strategies to mitigate TKI-induced muscle loss.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on TKI mechanisms and clinical studies.
• Analysis of data on muscle mass changes in patients receiving specific TKIs.
• Synthesis of evidence on nutritional interventions for cancer patients on TKIs.

Main Results:

• TKIs may induce muscle wasting through various molecular pathways.
• Studies show sorafenib, regorafenib, sunitinib, and lenvatinib can affect muscle mass.
• Computerized tomography assessment of muscle mass can predict TKI toxicity and prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of low muscle mass and personalized nutrition are key to managing TKI-related muscle wasting.
• Nutritional support is often overlooked but vital during TKI therapy.
• Further clinical trials are needed to define optimal nutritional strategies against muscle depletion.