Inhibiting MIC-1/GDF15 or its receptor GFRAL are high-value potential targets for treatment of anorexia/cachexia syndrome in patients whose elevated serum levels may justify its use.
In particular, MIC-1 may contribute to the proliferation, migration, invasion, metastases, and treatment resistance of cancer cells as well as tumor-induced anorexia and weight loss in the late stages of cancer.
Thus, MIC-1 is a newly defined central regulator of appetite and a potential target for the treatment of both cancer anorexia and weight loss, as well as of obesity.