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New Study Links Cancer Survivor Weakness to Treatable Vessel Issues

Cancer cells may damage muscle blood vessels even if the muscles are not near the tumor. This is the main result from a recent research important outcome of an upcoming investigation notable discovery from a fresh analysis primary conclusion of a newly released report significant revelation from a latest study which my coworkers and I recently released in the publication Nature Cancer .

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Loss of muscle mass among individuals with cancer presents significant medical challenges, yet the specific mechanisms through which tumors impact muscular tissue continue to be explored extensively.

Researchers in my laboratory wanted to explore if one possible reason behind muscle wasting in individuals with cancer might be due to the disease affecting the blood vessels responsible for delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to muscles. Normally functioning blood vessels allow blood carrying oxygen and nourishment to travel from the heart to every part of the body before returning to the heart. When blood vessels become damaged, they struggle to move enough blood effectively and may start leaking, causing nutrients to escape into surrounding tissues too early, which can disrupt nutrient delivery to areas farther along the circulation path.

In addressing this issue, myself and my colleagues collaborated with various scientific groups specializing in cutting-edge imaging techniques, oncology, and metabolic processes. Using animal models, we examined different types of cancers—including lung cancer, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer—and repeatedly found that the blood vessels within the muscles decreased in number and became more permeable prior to the onset of muscle weakness.

We discovered that tumors produce a protein known as Activin-A, which affects blood vessels leading to increased permeability and eventually the disappearance of blood vessels within the muscle tissue. By employing a gene therapy approach to enhance blood vessel function by neutralizing the impact of Activin-A, we managed to stop the progression of muscle degeneration.

We analyzed the muscles from individuals who died due to cancer and discovered that the muscles of these patients had fewer blood vessels than anticipated.

Why Activin-A matters

Many cancer survivors experience significant muscle weakness, making simple tasks like climbing a few steps or running errands alone challenging.

Extreme fatigue and reduction of muscle mass associated with cancer is known as cancer cachexia, which happens in as many as 80% of individuals diagnosed with late-stage cancer .

New studies show that cachexia occurs much more frequently in cancer patients than was once thought, affecting about half of those who visit their oncologist for the initial consultation. displaying early indications of muscular debility .

Notably, cachexia may continue even following successful treatment and recovery from cancer. This can significantly affect the well-being of those who have overcome the disease.

Our finding that impaired blood flow in muscle tissue happens at an early stage in cancer development implies that restoring vascular function in individuals with cancer and those who have completed treatment might offer a novel approach to preventing or reversing cachexia.

The causes of muscle wasting in cancer are complex and include inadequate nourishment resulting from reduced hunger and... inflammation which originate from the tumor but continue after the tumor has been eliminated.

What additional studies are underway?

No medications have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cachexia at this time, although promising new treatments are being developed.

One example of treatment is an antibody-based medication that targets the molecule GDF-15 a protein believed to reduce hunger cravings.

Additional research is employing a mix of targeted nutrition and exercise programs to assist individuals suffering from cancer-related wasting syndrome in restoring their muscular mass and physical power.

These research findings indicate that we must use multiple strategies to improve physical activity, diet, hunger, muscle recovery, and—as we recommend—vascular well-being.

What's next

We are currently assessing medications and physical activity regimens that have been shown to enhance vascular function. Adapting these therapies, which were originally developed for individuals with heart conditions, might offer an efficient approach to assist cancer patients in restoring their muscular strength.

We wish our research emphasizes the significance of providing thorough medical treatment to individuals with cancer, encompassing better heart health and general well-being.

This piece is reposted from The Conversation Licensed under a Creative Commons agreement. Read the original article .

Provided by The Conversation

This tale was first released on Medical Xpress .

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