Antagonists of IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, weakness, fatigue, and/or fever

摘要

The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue in a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's survivability or quality of life will preferably be improved.