DESCRIPTION:

Cancer cachexia is a major driver of functional decline, treatment intolerance, and poor outcomes across cancer populations, yet current clinical tools inadequately capture the biology underlying muscle wasting and recovery. We will discuss emerging translational approaches to cancer cachexia, integrating longitudinal preclinical models, blood-based biomarkers, functional outcomes, rehabilitation science, and novel muscle biopsy techniques. The talk will explore how linking muscle biology to physical function may enable the development of more precise biomarkers and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving resilience, recovery, and quality of life in patients with cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe why cachexia matters for cancer patients
• Identify emerging biomarkers of cachexia
• Explore new methods for anchoring clinical care of cachexia in human biology