Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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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New Horizons with Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Oncology: From Cancer Cachexia and Tumour Immunity to Novel

Keiji Sugiyama1,2, Naureen Starling1, Ian Chau1

  • 1Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW3 6JJ, UK.

Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|November 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a key factor in cancer cachexia and nausea. Targeting GDF-15 shows promise for new therapies to improve cancer patient outcomes and enhance immunotherapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a cytokine linked to cancer cachexia, a severe condition with limited treatments.
  • GDF-15 influences appetite, metabolism, and chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting.
  • It also suppresses anti-tumour immunity, potentially hindering immunotherapy efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of GDF-15 in cancer cachexia.
  • To explore the neural mechanisms underlying GDF-15's effects on metabolism and immunity.
  • To summarize recent clinical findings and future directions for GDF-15-targeted cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of GDF-15's involvement in cancer cachexia.
  • Analysis of GDF-15's impact on neural and hormonal pathways.
  • Summary of early clinical trial data on GDF-15-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • GDF-15 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia.
  • It mediates appetite regulation and metabolic disturbances.
  • Evidence suggests GDF-15 inhibition can enhance anti-tumour immune responses and overcome immunotherapy resistance.

Conclusions:

  • GDF-15 is a critical therapeutic target for managing cancer cachexia.
  • Anti-GDF-15 strategies may improve patient quality of life and treatment efficacy.
  • Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully explore GDF-15-targeted therapy in oncology.
Keywords:
autonomic nervous systemcancer cachexiagrowth differentiation factor 15immune checkpoint inhibitors

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