Promising new drug development could help treat cachexia

According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly one-third of cancer deaths can be attributed to a wasting syndrome known as cachexia. Cachexia, an indicator of the advanced stages of disease, is a debilitating disorder that causes loss of appetite, lean body mass and can lead to multi-organ failure. Now, researchers have developed a drug that could reverse cachexia. The team currently is seeking canine candidates for a pilot study to test the new drug.