Study: Lung Cancer Hijacks Nervous System to Accelerate Muscle Wasting

2026-07-04T09:57:34.835Z

An American study published in the journal Science revealed that certain types of lung cancer exploit the nervous system to communicate with the brain and accelerate cancer cachexia, which is responsible for about a quarter of cancer-related deaths, and suggested it can potentially be mitigated with common drugs and dietary modifications.

A new American study published in Science has found that some types of lung cancer do not just grow inside the body, but also exploit the nervous system to communicate with the brain, worsening cancer cachexia.

According to a report by Medical Express, cancer cachexia is one of the most dangerous complications of cancer, causing severe and involuntary loss of muscle and fat, reducing quality of life, and potentially limiting patients' ability to receive treatment. It is responsible for about a quarter of cancer-related deaths.

How do tumors communicate with the brain?

The research team developed advanced mouse models of lung cancer and observed that one common genetic subtype was more capable of inducing cachexia than others. Experiments revealed that these tumors send signals to the brain via sensory nerves in the lung.

Lead researcher Thales Papagiannakopoulos said, 'These tumors effectively control the body's behavior by exploiting the nervous system and hijacking the sensory nerves in the lung,' adding that this discovery represents 'a completely new role for the peripheral nervous system in cancer cachexia and may open promising opportunities to improve cancer patient care.'

A fatty molecule drives the hijacking process

The researchers identified a fatty molecule known as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as the main mediator used by tumors to send their neural signals. When scientists blocked production of this molecule—either through genetic modification or using common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen—the animals did not develop cachexia symptoms.

The study showed that a diet rich in animal fats and omega-6 fatty acids increased production of this molecule, while switching to a diet based on omega-3 fatty acids reduced its production and cut the connection between the tumor and the nervous system, preventing cachexia.

New therapeutic prospects

The researchers believe the findings open a new avenue for treating cancer cachexia, not only through drugs but also through dietary interventions. The team plans to identify the neurons and brain circuits exploited by tumors to see if they are linked to other symptoms such as depression and memory impairment.

Researcher Stephan Kotsis said, 'Now that we know tumors hijack the nervous system, we want to identify the nerves and brain circuits they use.' The scientists hope these discoveries will lead to more precise treatments that improve survival and quality of life for lung cancer patients.