New Insights: Blood Vessel Weakness May Cause Muscle Loss in Cancer Survivors

Recent research reveals that muscle weakness commonly observed in cancer survivors may be linked to a treatable deterioration of blood vessels within muscles. A groundbreaking study published in Nature Cancer demonstrates that tumors can directly damage blood vessels, even when located far from the muscles themselves. This damage leads to reduced circulation of oxygen and nutrients necessary for muscle health, contributing to muscle loss and weakness, known as cancer cachexia.

Scientists collaborated across fields, using animal models of various cancers such as lung, skin, colon, and pancreatic, to observe that blood vessels in muscles become fewer and leakier before muscle weakness becomes apparent. The key culprit identified is a protein called Activin-A, which is secreted by tumors and causes blood vessel leakiness and degradation.

Importantly, the team found that restoring blood vessel health through gene therapy could prevent muscle deterioration. Analysis of muscles from deceased cancer patients confirmed fewer blood vessels than expected, supporting the idea that vascular health plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle integrity.

This discovery emphasizes that early intervention to protect or repair blood vessels could be a promising approach to prevent or reverse cachexia, significantly improving the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. Currently, no approved treatments exist for cachexia, but promising therapies are under development, including antibodies targeting appetite-suppressing proteins like GDF-15, combined with nutritional and exercise interventions.

Ongoing research focuses on repurposing cardiovascular drugs to enhance blood vessel health in cancer patients. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive care, including cardiovascular health, may lead to better outcomes for those battling cancer-related muscle loss. This work highlights the potential for innovative treatments that address the vascular component of cachexia, offering hope to many affected individuals.