World Nutrition Journal
Vol. 9 No. i2 (2026): WNJ. Volume 09 Issue 2, February 2026

Dissecting pathways of cancer-associated cachexia and its evidence-based relation to vitamin D

Nurul Ratna Manikam (Universitas Indonesia)
Andrijono (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Fariz Nurwidya (University of Indonesia- Persahabatan Hospital)
Fiastuti Witjaksono (Universitas Indonesia- dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital)
Isabela Andhika Paramita (Medical Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a complex metabolic syndrome. It affects 0,5-1% of the general population and 60-83% of cancer patients. Vitamin D has a potential immunological role in cancer cachexia. However, the mechanism remains unclear. Method: This review outlines the complex mechanisms of CAC, a metabolic syndrome marked by muscle loss affecting 80% of cancer patients and the potential action of vitamin D. We highlight the limited studies exploring vitamin D’s impact on CAC, based on cachexia parameters. Result: The Warburg effects in CAC are understood to involve elevated energy use, driven by the tumor microenvironment (TME) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This present review explores the mechanism of cachexia on skeletal, adipose tissue, liver and tumor microenvironment. At the same time vitamin D deficiency in cancer correlates with poor prognosis due to its critical role in immune modulation. Notably, various clinical trials showed the beneficial roles of vitamin D in reducing inflammation, pain and increasing weight. Conclusion: Few studies had explored the beneficial effects of vitamin D in cancer; However, limited evidence exists on immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D. This critical gaps stressing the need for further clinical research across various cancer types.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

WNJ

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

World Nutrition Journal was founded in 2016 as the official journal of Indonesian Nutrition Association. It aims to publish high quality articles in the field of community, clinical, and critical care aspects of nutrition sciences. World Nutrition Journal (abbreviated: W Nutr J) is an English ...