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Animal models of the cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome

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Abstract

Background and aims

Cancer cachexia, a complex wasting syndrome, is common in palliative medicine. Animal models expand our understanding of its mechanisms. A review of cancer cachexia and anorexia animal models will help investigators make an informed choice of the study model.

Results and discussion

Cancer-anorexia cachexia animal models are numerous. No one is ideal. The choice should depend on the research question. To investigate cancer–anorexia cachexia independent of pro-inflammatory cytokine effects, the MAC16 ADK and XK1 are useful. MAC16 ADK helps study the host’s tumor metabolic effects, independent of any anorexia or inflammation. XK1 is both anorectic and cachectic, but data about it is limited. All other models induce a host inflammatory response. The Walker 256 ADK and MCG 101 are best avoided due to excessive tumor growth. Since individual models do not address all aspects of the syndrome, use of a combination seems wise. Suggested combinations: MAC16-ADK (non-inflammatory and non-anorectic) with YAH-130 (inflammatory, anorectic, and cachectic), Lewis lung carcinoma (slow onset anorexia) or prostate adenocarcinoma (inflammatory, anorectic but not cachectic) with YAH-130.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Palliative Medicine and Suppportive Oncology, The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Nabila Bennani-Baiti & Declan Walsh

  2. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Declan Walsh

  3. 9500 Euclid Avenue, M-76, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Declan Walsh

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  1. Nabila Bennani-Baiti
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  2. Declan Walsh
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Correspondence to Declan Walsh.

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The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine is a World Health Organization Demonstration Project in Palliative Medicine and ESMO Designated Center of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care.

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Bennani-Baiti, N., Walsh, D. Animal models of the cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome. Support Care Cancer 19, 1451–1463 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-0972-0

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