Muscle atrophy in cancer: a role for nutrition and exercise

Developing successful antineoplastic therapies has been a primary focus of cancer research, whereas less attention has been directed at body composition and metabolism in cancer patients. Here, we examine the metabolic implications of muscle atrophy in cancer as well as the potential factors that contribute to muscle atrophy, including energy imbalance, hormone perturbations, and inflammation. The role of nutrition and exercise interventions in maintaining muscle mass during the cancer trajectory is examined.