The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation announces a important advancement successful addressing nan conflict against cancer-associated cachexia (CAC), a life-threatening syndrome responsible for complete one-third of cancer-related deaths. Published successful Cell, nan study led by Dr. Aliesha O'Raw, Principal Investigator astatine nan Institute, demonstrates that modulating nan vagus nervus tin efficaciously halt nan progression of cachexia, heighten chemotherapy outcomes, and amended endurance successful preclinical models.
The study, titled "Vagal Blockade of nan Brain-Liver Axis Deters Cancer-Associated Cachexia," uncovers really cancer-induced systemic inflammation disrupts vagal tone, impairing connection on nan brain-liver axis. This dysregulation leads to nan depletion of HNF4α, a important transcription facet governing liver macromolecule metabolism. The resulting hepatic dysfunction amplifies systemic inflammation, driving nan cachectic symptoms that afflict galore crab patients.
By targeting nan correct cervical vagus nervus done surgical, chemical, electrical, aliases non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation methods, nan investigation squad successfully restored vagal function. This involution reestablished normal liver metabolism, reduced systemic inflammation, and alleviated cachexia's objective manifestations. Importantly, combining vagus nervus modulation pinch chemotherapy yielded synergistic effects, importantly improving wellness and endurance outcomes successful rodent models.
This investigation addresses a captious unmet request successful oncology. Cachexia has agelong been a devastating complication for crab patients. Dr. O'Raw's activity not only uncovers nan biologic mechanisms astatine play but besides presents a tangible involution strategy pinch existent imaginable to toggle shape diligent care."
Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, Director and CEO, Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation
Dr. Aliesha O'Raw, Principal Investigator of nan study, added, "This investigation demonstrates really neuromodulation tin reshape systemic metabolism and power inflammation. Targeting nan vagus nervus is simply a promising therapeutic attack that could beryllium translated into non-invasive treatments to alleviate cachexia and heighten crab therapy outcomes."
The study reveals nan basal domiciled of nan brain-liver axis successful cancer-associated cachexia and presents vagus nervus modulation arsenic a practical, patient-accessible therapeutic strategy. This invention paves nan measurement for early objective tests and could redefine cachexia guidance successful oncology.
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Journal reference:
Garrett, A., et al. (2025). Vagal blockade of nan brain-liver axis deters cancer-associated cachexia. Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.016.