Antioxidant therapy for the treatment of oxidative stress associated to cancer and cancer-related anorexia/cachexia

Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a complex phenomenon: metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines produced by the host immune system, circulating tumor-derived catabolic factors, decreased food intake, and probably additional unknown factors, all play different roles. This review examines the pathophysiology and the mechanisms linking CACS and Oxidative Stress (OS) in cancer. On the basis of several of our previously published studies and our clinical experience we have developed an innovative treatment approach wich consists of an integrated nutritional and pharmacological treatment. This treatment approach of CACS/OS based on multiple components, each targeted at the different factors involved, may be effective both in improving objective clinical symptoms, including lean body mass, and subjective symptoms, including quality of life.