Cachexia

Cachexia is distinct from ordinary weight loss. Cachexia involves progressive breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue that occurs regardless of caloric intake. Pancreatic cancer can drive weight loss through malabsorption, tumor metabolism, and inflammatory cachexia. Cancer-associated cachexia involves inflammatory cytokines that break down muscle protein. TNF-alpha is a key mediator of cachexia, which is commonly seen in advanced cancer and chronic disease states. Unintentional loss of more than 5% of body weight over 6 to 12 months is a systemic disease signal in adults over 50. Unintentional loss of 10 or more pounds over six months with progressive strength decline warrants prompt investigation. Cancer-associated cachexia can cause strength to decline faster than body mass.