Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Cachexia: Bridging Mechanisms, Management, and Future Therapies

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Sneha Sanjay Pawar,

  • Ansari Wasil Ahmed Kafeel,

  1. Professor, Department of Pharmacy, SVSs Dadasaheb Rawal Pharmacy College, Dondaicha, Tal-Shindkheda, Dist-Dhule, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Involuntary weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy, adipose tissue depletion, anorexia, and systemic inflammation are all symptoms of chemotherapy-induced cachexia, a complex illness. Although it is common, it remains poorly understood and is often referred to as an “orphan disease.” This study covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and emerging treatment options for chemotherapy-induced cachexia. To comprehend the causes, clinical results, and therapeutic approaches, a literature-based synthesis of recent clinical and preclinical research, as well as professional guidelines, was carried out. By causing gastrointestinal toxicity, systemic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroendocrine changes, chemotherapy causes cachexia, which leads to a gradual loss of muscle and fat. Symptoms of cachexia include reduced chemotherapeutic tolerance, diminished functional ability, poor quality of life, and shortened survival. Treatment of cachexia includes pharmacological medications, exercise programs, multimodal techniques, and dietary assistance, which are the mainstays of current care. Emerging medicines that target pathways of inflammation, anabolic signaling, metabolic regulation, and gut microbiome show promise but require further clinical testing. Cachexia brought on by chemotherapy is a serious but often ignored symptom. To enhance treatment results, functional status, and survival, early detection, uniform diagnostic standards, and customized multimodal therapies are crucial. Additional research is required to develop targeted therapies and provide meaningful therapeutic guidelines.

Keywords: Chemotherapy-induced cachexia, cancer, muscle wasting, inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, multimodal therapy, orphan disease

How to cite this article:
Sneha Sanjay Pawar, Ansari Wasil Ahmed Kafeel. Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Cachexia: Bridging Mechanisms, Management, and Future Therapies. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2026; 16(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Sneha Sanjay Pawar, Ansari Wasil Ahmed Kafeel. Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Cachexia: Bridging Mechanisms, Management, and Future Therapies. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2026; 16(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjop/article=2026/view=236264


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
01
Received 23/11/2025
Accepted 23/01/2026
Published 24/01/2026
Publication Time 62 Days
50

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