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. 2021 Mar 19;124(10):1623–1636. doi: 10.1038/s41416-021-01301-4

Fig. 1. Conceptualisation of the three dimensions involved in the development of pancreatic cancer cachexia.

Fig. 1

Pancreatic cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome that integrates three interdependent dimensions: tumour-related systemic factors; factors related to alterations of the pancreatic function; and factors related to the close interaction of the pancreas with other digestive organs. The systemic factors outlined are partly specific for cachexia associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, partly generic for that associated with solid malignancies. Factors related to the central function of the pancreas for nutritional uptake and homoeostasis, and factors related to other digestive organs are characteristic of pancreatic cancer cachexia.