Cancer Cachexia and Antitumor Immunity: Common Mediators and Potential Targets for New Therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Cancer cachexia syndrome (CCS) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by weight loss, altered body composition, and systemic inflammation.
• CCS significantly impacts both innate and adaptive immunity in cancer patients.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, offering long-term remission for many patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on the relationship between the mechanisms driving cancer cachexia and those impairing anti-tumor immune responses.
• To explore how metabolic dysregulation in CCS influences the tumor microenvironment and immune suppression.
• To investigate the association between CCS and resistance to ICI therapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current scientific literature.
• Analysis of biological mediators and processes involved in CCS.
• Examination of immune suppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment.
• Correlation analysis between metabolic homeostasis in CCS and ICI resistance.

Main Results:

• Biological mediators of CCS may contribute to an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment.
• The catabolic state in CCS is linked to impaired anti-tumor immunity.
• Metabolic dysregulation in cancer cachexia is associated with resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• The mechanisms underlying cancer cachexia may also hinder effective anti-tumor immunity.
• Cancer cachexia syndrome is associated with resistance to immunotherapy, particularly ICI treatment.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the interplay between cachexia and anti-tumor immunity for optimizing immunotherapy in affected patients.