Two studies establish a mechanism, biomarker, and therapeutic strategy for cancer cachexia, all centered around the HIF-2 pathway. The findings mark this incurable metabolic syndrome as a pharmacologically treatable condition. The article was published in Nature Medicine online on January 2, 2026 with doi:10.1038/s41591-025-04109-4. Cancer cachexia is a syndrome that can be targeted by mechanistic insights. Studies focus on the HIF-2 pathway as a key element. These findings enable targeted treatment of a hitherto incurable condition.