2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP03.03. Decoding the Immune Dysfunction of Cancer Cachexia in Lung Cancer Patients

Pdf Summary

This study investigates the immune dysfunction associated with cancer cachexia in lung cancer patients. Cancer cachexia is a condition characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakened immune function. The study aims to understand the impact of cancer cachexia on T and NK cell function by analyzing 10 treatment-naive cachectic lung cancer patients and 10 non-cachectic patients. Various techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and multiplex immunoassay were utilized for the analysis.<br /><br />Preliminary findings show that cancer cachexia leads to a decrease in the proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells and an increase in T cytotoxic (Tc) cell proliferation compared to non-cachectic patients. Furthermore, activated Tc and NK cells showed higher percentages of CD25 activation markers, while activated Th cells showed lower percentages of HLA-DR activation markers. These changes in T and NK cell function were accompanied by reduced secretion of IFN-γ after in vitro stimulation.<br /><br />The serum profile of cachectic patients also indicated the effects of cancer cachexia. Increased levels of GITR, GM-CSF, and IL-10 were observed, while levels of immune checkpoint molecules such as CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L2, IL-4, and IL-17A were reduced. Cachectic patients also exhibited lower glucose levels and higher red blood cell counts, suggesting an impaired immune response.<br /><br />In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that cancer cachexia alters T and NK cell function and is associated with changes in immune checkpoint molecules and cytokine levels. These alterations may contribute to the immune response impairment in lung cancer patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between cancer cachexia, immune dysfunction, and lung cancer.

Asset Subtitle

Laila Roisman

Meta Tag

Speaker Laila Roisman

Topic Tumor Biology: Translational Biology - IO

Keywords

immune dysfunction

cancer cachexia

lung cancer patients

T cell function

NK cell function

proliferation

serum profile

immune checkpoint molecules

glucose levels

immune response impairment