Erratum to: Recent developments in the treatment of cachexia: highlights from the 6th Cachexia Conference

The term cachexia embraces a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by loss of body weight that may develop as a consequence of loss of muscle mass with or without loss of fat mass; bone mineral density may be affected as well [1]. Over the last 10 years, the Cachexia Conference has developed a forum for researchers from the fields of cachexia and wasting disorders. It is unique in several ways as it provides a platform for both clinicians and basic researchers to meet and discuss pathways and potential therapeutic targets as well as recent evidence from clinical trials. The 6th Cachexia Conference was held in Milan, Italy, from 8 to 10 December 2012 with over 400 participants from more than 25 countries attending [2]. Cachexia remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, even though it is prevalent among many patients presenting with cancer, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection or chronic kidney disease. Creating awareness for cachexia is one of the major aims of the Cachexia Conference as well as the improvement of patients' morbidity, mortality and quality of life. A more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology may help in achieving these aims. The identification of such mechanisms may help to identify therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers that help to detect loss of tissue as early as possible. Many excellent animal and clinical studies were presented at the meeting in Milan, and the following overview seeks to highlight some major research areas in the field of cachexia and body wasting.