Circulating and Molecular Markers Involved in the Processes of Cachexia, Anorexia and Sarcopenia in Patients With NSCLC

Study of Circulating and Molecular Markers Functionally Involved in the Processes of Cachexia, Anorexia and Sarcopenia in Patients With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

The study aim to evaluate whether some substances produced by muscle or adipose tissue may play a role in the course of the disease by interfering with the effectiveness of therapies.

The study is aimed at patients with NSCLC in whom plasma levels of particular biomarkers will be studied before and after treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy or immunotherapy alone.

In particular, the plasma levels of GDF15, FGF21, HN, Activin molecules and microRNAs involved in inflammatory processes, called inflammamiR, in particular of microRNA146, 126, 21, 188, 155, will be studied.

Assessments of cellular markers of leukocyte aging will also be performed (determination of telomere length is a widely used measure of biological aging)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with NSCLC in advanced stage (IIIB, IV)
• Patients eligible for the treatment with single-agent immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab), or a chemo-immunotherapy combination among the approved ones for I line
• Obtainment of the informations related to medical history and the possibility to have an adequate follow up
• Obtainment of the informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with psychiatric alterations, neurological diseases or other condistions that could not allow adhesion to study protocol and the obtainment of the ICF