Characterization of the Yoshida sarcoma: a model of cancer cachexia

Abstract

Cancer cachexia contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in individuals with cancer. Currently, the mechanisms contributing to the development of cachexia are largely unknown, leading to a paucity of treatment and prevention options. Animal models are necessary in determining causal mechanisms and in testing potential treatments. While the Yoshida sarcoma has been utilized for more than 50 years, the cachexia syndrome produced by this model has not been well characterized in the literature. Tumor allografts were subcutaneously implanted in male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 16) and allowed to grow for 23 days. Control animals (n = 16) received a sham surgery. All rats were monitored daily for the presence of hallmark cachexia symptoms. The results demonstrate the presence of decreased body weight gain, as well as lower levels of body adiposity and skeletal muscle mass, in tumor-bearing animals, as compared to controls. While a large tumor burden was reached, the extent of cachexia was similar to that which is observed in many individuals with cancer cachexia. Future experiments utilizing this model are encouraged to identify mechanisms and effective treatment and prevention strategies.