Data on cable lubricant

Personally, I've used the same lube on my cables as I have on my chain. In my area, Tennessee, it was suggested that I use a dry wax based lube and it's worked for a little over a year now.

You'd apply it the same way and be mindful to wipe of the excess so as to avoid dust and gunk build up. I also have watched quite a few videos from ParkTool on Youtube and they've been really informative.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Manufacturers would have the best information about this. If they are using another company's product, such as when Trek installs Shimano brakes, they generally follow the original producer's guidance; in my example, Trek will generally follow Shimano's advice. When they vary from it, it's because they have considerable engineering expertise of their own, as well as direct contact with their supplier, and can make very well-informed diversions from that advice to suit their particular situation. The upshot? Do what the manufacturer says.
2. What if the manufacturer doesn't say? That's more complicated, I suppose. Cables in general are susceptible to temperature- and friction-related degradation in performance. A lubricant that avoids those pitfalls is advisable. One option is powdered molybdenum disulfide (possibly blended with PTFE powder), applied minimally. It is a powder, and so does not become more viscous with lower temperature. It also does a great job of reducing friction.

In the end, though, if your ability to steer depends on cables, and you are noticing reduced performance from the cables, they should be replaced. I recognize that this does not meet your request for data, but I hope it has some value nonetheless.