Promising treatments for muscle wasting in cancer: focus on microRNA

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cancer cachexia is characterized by a progressive loss of body weight and muscle mass, mainly caused by inflammation and anorexia/malnutrition that lead to energy wasting and muscle protein catabolism. These alterations represent the targets of several drugs and multimodal therapeutic approaches that are currently under clinical evaluation. Areas covered: In this review, the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting in cancer and the available treatments are discussed. Afterwards, a particular attention is given to recently discovered new potential targets, focusing mainly on microRNAs, that are emerging as new drivers in the complex scenario of muscle mass control. Expert commentary: Moreover, microRNAs are dysregulated also in cancer, representing an attractive class of molecules for both fighting the tumor and managing cachexia.