TuLip : Role of the Tumor Environment in Cancer-related Fat Loss

Study of the Tumor-adipose Tissue Dialogue: Role of Tumor Acidosis in the Induction of Adipocyte Lipolysis

Cancer cachexia is defined as a weight loss of more than 5% over the last 6 months, a loss of body fat and muscle atrophy. It is found in 80% of patients with advanced cancer. In this context, white adipose tissue is a particularly interesting target since its depletion precedes the loss of muscle mass, and is sufficient to induce a decrease in the response to anti-cancer treatments and in the survival of patients.

This cachexia is associated with advanced tumors that present acidosis and metastasis. In this clinical study the investigators would like explore the acid environment effect on the human adipose tissue depletion and more specifically on adipocyte lipolysis.

The main objective of the "TuLip" clinical study is therefore to validate in human subcutaneous and visceral adipocytes that factors secreted by tumor cells cultivated in acid tumor environment stimulate the release of lipids from adipose tissue. Adipocytes retrieves from this study will also be used to validate identified potential lipolytic factors derived from these cells.

This study is a monocentric clinical study. Patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 will be recruited in the context of programmed abdominal surgery. In this context, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue pieces (1-2 cm3) will be collected to explore the lypolytic response of adipocytes ex-vivo to factors secreted by human cancer cell lines.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Programmed surgeries in the abdominal area in the Department of Surgery and Transplantation at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Benoit Navez.
• Hospitalization in the context of surgery
• Caucasian
• Age between 18 and 60 years (included).
• Body mass index less than 30 and greater than or equal to 18.5
• Programmed Nissen fundoplication (to treat hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux) or cholecystectomy (to treat vesicular lithiasis), eventration, or parietal surgery .
• Adults capable of expressing their wishes.
• Understanding French

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index below 18.5 and above 30.
• Patients with cancer, infection, autoimmune or inflammatory disease, metabolic syndrome.
• Patients with beta-blockers, hypoglycemics, anti-diabetics, hypolipidemics.
• Adults unable to express their will.
• Not understanding French
• Patients participating in a clinical trial for a drug treatment.