Study Identifies Tumor-Nerve Pathway in Lung Cancer Cachexia

A study published in Science reported a previously unrecognized signaling route in mice that connects lung tumor genetics, diet, and the nervous system and drives cancer-associated cachexia. The pathway transmits signals from tumors to nerves, according to the findings. Researchers said the route could become a target for therapies aimed at the wasting syndrome.

Experiments showed that specific genetic changes in lung tumors interacted with dietary factors to activate the nerve signaling. Blocking parts of the pathway in the mouse model altered the progression of cachexia. The study did not report results in humans or name any researchers. Further work would be required to determine whether the same mechanism operates in people.