ICJIM
Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Internal Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of internal medicine of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Cachexia in oncology patients
Abstract
Cancer-related cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, systemic inflammation, and a significant disruption of protein-energy homeostasis. It serves as a primary determinant of mortality and negatively impacts the efficacy of oncological treatments such as chemotherapy. The prevalence of cachexia ranges between 40% and 70%, with the highest incidence observed in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. Its pathophysiology is driven by tumor-secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-alfa, IL-1, IL-6), which trigger systemic catabolism, including accelerated proteolysis in skeletal muscles and increased lipolysis in adipose tissue. Furthermore, the syndrome involves the impairment of the central nervous system’s homeostatic control over energy balance, leading to anorexia and high resting energy expenditure. Diagnosis is primarily established through the monitoring of unintentional weight loss and Body Mass Index (BMI), where a weight loss of 5% is identified as a critical threshold for poor prognosis. Effective management requires a multisystemic and multidisciplinary approach. This includes early nutritional interventions (oral, enteral, or parenteral), the use of appetite stimulants (orexigens), and tailored exercise programs to mitigate muscle atrophy. Additionally, comprehensive symptom management—addressing pain, nausea, and psychological distress—is essential for holistic care. As cachexia progresses, it may become resistant to conventional therapies, leading to inevitable decline. Given the increasing global incidence of cancer, there is a critical need for specialized teams and further research to develop effective, targeted treatment strategies for this challenging condition.

Keywords : Cancer, cachexia, weight loss

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2026
Page : 22-25
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJIM-0070
Article Information
Received : 31 Ara 2025
Accepted : 25 Şub 2026
Published : 28 Şub 2026
Corresponding Author :

Beyza Hilal Balcı: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Balcı BH, Yalçın S. Cachexia in oncology patients. Intercont J Int Med. 2026;4(1):22-25.

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