Cell network reveals how pancreatic cancer drives muscle and fat loss
Scientists at the University of Oklahoma have identified three specific cell subclusters that drive cachexia, a muscle-wasting condition in pancreatic cancer patients. This discovery could lead to new targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes during cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Cachexia significantly reduces a patient's ability to tolerate cancer treatments; targeting these specific cells could improve survival rates and quality of life.
by April Wilkerson, University of Oklahoma
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.09.012 Research published today in Cell identifies three small subclusters of cells that drive pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia, a muscle-wasting and fat-loss condition that makes patients less able to tolerate cancer treatment. The study, led by the University of Oklahoma, could help researchers develop treatments targeting these subclusters.
Together, the three subclusters form a triangular regulatory network, working in a feed-forward loop to drive the initiation and progression of cachexia.
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