Pharmaceutical treatment in cachexia wasting syndrome

Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness and characterized by loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. Bone mineral density may be affected as well. 30% up to 80% mortality rate of cachexia is reported according to different underlying diseases. Early management of cachexia is essential The purpose of this article is to review the conventional and inresearch phase drugs and also herbal drugs beneficial in cachexia management. A complete search was performed about the cachexia management in electronic databases such as ISI web of science, PubMed, Scopus and google scholar.The cachexia management is complicated and needs an early multimodal management approach including nutritional support, proper physical activity, and multiple drugs. Combination drug therapy is recommended in most of the cases. Among orexigenic agents progestins are recommended for the first line and also cannabinoids, antiserotoninergic drugs (Cyproheptadine, 5HT3 receptor antagonists), corticosteroids, melanocortin antagonists, thalidomide and Ghrelin (Anamorelin) can be useful. Anti-catabolic agents such as inflammatory cytokine inhibitors (Anti-TNF α, Anti-IL-6, anti myostatin agents), IL-15, β2-adrenergic agonists; and anabolic agents such as GH, IGF-1, androgenic hormones, SARMs are definitely important in cachexia management but need more research. Herbal drugs such as Curcumin, Resveratrol, pomegranate extract, fenugreek seeds and other herbal drugs seem to be beneficial but need more clinical investigations.Because cachexia has a complicated multimodal management and there is no unity on the management of cachexia more studies should be performed to treat cachectic patients successfully

کلیدواژه ها:

Cancer Symptoms ، Lifestyle and Cancer ، Nutrition and Cancer ، Cancer Treatment and Management ، Drugs and Cancer