Cellular Crosstalk Induces Cachexia
Interplay between macrophages and pancreatic cancer cells seems to promote cachexia, researchers reported (Cancer Cell 2024 Apr 11 [Epub ahead of print]). The crosstalk between the cell types prompts the tumor cells to secrete TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis, or TWEAK, which binds to receptors on muscle cells, causing inflammation and muscle wasting. However, the researchers noted that “depletion of macrophages reverses muscle degradation induced by tumor cells.” The finding provides potential therapeutic targets to reduce incidence and severity of muscle atrophy in patients with pancreatic cancer.