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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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Exploring Cachexia: Severity, Functional Abilities, and Personal Experiences of Cancer Survivors through a
Deepika Ramalingam1, Theranirajan Ethiraj2, Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran3
1Department of Child Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Madras Medical College, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Cancer cachexia significantly impacts survivors, causing severe functional impairment. Addressing this requires a holistic approach combining physical, mental, and lifestyle support for improved quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Cachexia, characterized by involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting, significantly diminishes the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer survivors.
- Understanding the multifaceted impacts of cachexia is crucial for developing effective supportive care strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cachexia severity in cancer survivors.
- To evaluate the functional impacts of cachexia on survivors' daily lives.
- To explore the lived experiences of cancer survivors managing cachexia.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method, cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 cancer survivors at a tertiary care center.
- Quantitative data were collected using the Cachexia Severity Score and Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Scale.
- Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with six participants.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between cachexia severity and functional ability (r = -0.32, P = 0.01).
- Survivors exhibited significant functional impairment, with high cachexia severity scores (mean: 81.65) and low functional ability scores (mean: 7.10).
- Qualitative findings revealed emotional and physical challenges, with family support and religious beliefs identified as key coping mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cachexia poses significant multidimensional challenges for cancer survivors, affecting both physical function and emotional well-being.
- Effective management necessitates an integrated approach, including physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Holistic care strategies are essential to improve survivors' quality of life and mitigate the pervasive effects of cachexia.
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