Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) elevation in children with newly diagnosed cancer

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Biomarkers
• Cancer Cachexia

Background:

• Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is an inflammatory marker implicated in adult cancer cachexia, but its role in pediatric cancer is largely unexplored.
• GDF15 is associated with increased nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in cancer patients, contributing to malnutrition and cachexia.
• No prior studies have investigated GDF15 levels in children with newly diagnosed cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare GDF15 levels in children with newly diagnosed cancer against age- and sex-matched controls.
• To correlate GDF15 levels with anthropometric measurements (height, weight, MUAC) in pediatric cancer patients.
• To assess the relationship between GDF15 levels and quality of life (QOL) in children with cancer.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study enrolled 57 children (2-21 years) with newly diagnosed cancer and 27 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Serum GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA at baseline and 3-month follow-up.
• Anthropometric measures (height, weight, MUAC) and QOL (PedsQL™) were assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Main Results:

• Baseline GDF15 levels were significantly higher in the cancer cohort (median 614.6 pg/mL) compared to controls (median 320.5 pg/mL; p<0.001).
• GDF15 levels did not change significantly between baseline and 3-month follow-up in evaluable participants (N=18; p=0.702).
• No significant correlations were found between changes in GDF15 and changes in height, weight, or MUAC; however, diarrhea worsened significantly at follow-up (p=0.017).

Conclusions:

• GDF15 is elevated at diagnosis in children with cancer compared to controls.
• GDF15 levels did not correlate with anthropometric measurements or QOL in this pediatric cohort.
• This pilot study provides a foundation for future research on GDF15's natural history and therapeutic potential in pediatric cancer cachexia.