(l-r) Dr. Elizabeta Bab-Dinitz, Dr. Nataly Rosenfeld, Prof. Ayelet Erez and Dr. Naama Darzi
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute, in collaboration with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, have identified a novel way to combat cachexia—a devastating condition marked by extreme weight, muscle, and fat loss that contributes to nearly a third of cancer-related deaths.
The team found that cancer-induced inflammation disrupts signals through the vagus nerve, a key pathway between the brain and liver. This disruption impairs liver metabolism, triggering the cascade of symptoms seen in cachexia.
In mice, selectively blocking the right vagus nerve—even with non-invasive techniques—halted progression of cachexia. It also enhanced the animals’ response to chemotherapy, significantly improving their health and survival.
This discovery offers real hope for improving quality of life—and potentially survival—for cancer patients struggling with cachexia.
