Tumor Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is a serious multifactorial syndrome which increases cancer patients’ morbidity and mortality and is associated with poor responses to chemotherapy. It is characterized by weight loss due to loss of both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle mass, anorexia, asthenia, and systemic inflammation. Approximately 30-80% of all cancer patients will eventually develop cachexia depending on the tumor type. Traditional treatments, such as orexigenic appetite stimulants, have proven ineffective in prolonging life, and the syndrome itself is not fully understood. There are numerous mechanisms theorized to be associated with cancer cachexia, with multiple cytokines playing a role in the etiology of the persistent catabolic state.

Micropathology of breast tumor model, to represent the tumor models available in Charles River’s Cancer Model Database.

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HT1080 Human Fibrosarcoma Xenograft Model of Cancer Cachexia

Charles River’s model of cancer cachexia is the HT1080 Human Fibrosarcoma xenograft in CB.17 SCID male mice. Tumor progression induces cachexia and produces tissue wasting, particularly in skeletal muscle and epididymal fat. This moderately aggressive model is used to evaluate the anticachectic effects of a therapy. The typical study is four weeks long, which allows time for therapeutic agents to show efficacy. The treatment begins on the day of tumor implant, continuing to the end of the study. The epididymal fat, heart, gastrocnemius muscle, and tumor-free whole body weight are measured at sacrifice and used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. The secondary analysis consists of serum panel for human and mouse cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, GDF15, IFN-g, GM-CSF, and TNF-α to determine the modulation of signals between the cancer and the host associated with cachexia and therapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cancer Cachexia Model

  • Why should I place my cancer cachexia study with Charles River?

    Charles River has a wide range of experience with oncology drug discovery and development which spans all phases, from target identification to IND. Utilizing the most effective combination of tools available to identify promising compounds, our broad range of models and support services allows clients to choose the most appropriate study design to select promising compounds and optimize lead candidates. We work with clients through every step of the process to streamline preclinical programs, making us the ideal partner for cancer cachexia studies, as well as supporting models.

  • Why should I run a cachexia model as part of my oncology study?

    Cancer Cachexia is a common side effect of many cancers and can affect the efficacy of treatment, and should therefore be included in preclinical research. Charles River scientists have a wide range of expertise in oncology from PDX, syngeneic and humanized models to specialist cell biology expertise, and therefore are the ideal partners for cancer cachexia studies.

  • What is a cachexia mouse model?

    A cachexia mouse model is an in vivo model of cancer progression causing muscle wastage and weight loss. The cachexia mouse model is particularly useful for evaluating the effects of anti-cachexia treatments alone or in combination with cancer treatments. Contact Charles River Labs if you are interested in learning more about our cancer cachexia mouse model and how it can add value to your study.

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