Contribution of skeletal muscle to cancer immunotherapy: A focus on muscle function, inflammation, and microbiota

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The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
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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Yuanle Deng1, Ling Zhao1, Xuemei Huang1

  • 1Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|October 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sarcopenia, or low muscle mass, negatively impacts cancer immunotherapy effectiveness and immune-related side effects in most patients. Nutritional interventions may improve immunotherapy outcomes for cancer patients with sarcopenia.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass and function, is common in cancer patients.
  • It signifies poor nutritional status and potential cancer cachexia.
  • The impact of sarcopenia on cancer immunotherapy is a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the influence of sarcopenia/cachexia on cancer immunotherapy response.
  • To analyze effects on immune-related adverse events.
  • To explore potential mechanisms and confounding factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies.
  • Analysis of data on sarcopenia/cachexia and immunotherapy outcomes.
  • Discussion of inconsistencies and potential explanations.

Main Results:

  • Low muscle mass generally has detrimental effects on cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Inconsistencies in findings were observed, attributed to varied methodologies.
  • Chronic inflammation, immune cells, and microbiota are implicated mechanistically.

Conclusions:

  • Sarcopenia is a significant prognostic factor in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Nutritional interventions show promise for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship and optimize interventions.
Keywords:
CachexiaCancer immunotherapyImmuneInflammationMicrobiotaMuscle FunctionSarcopeniaSkeletal muscle

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