Condition

Cancer Cachexia clinical trials and research

• 10Clinical trials
• 49NIH research projects
• 8Countries

Newest Cancer Cachexia clinical trials

All recruiting trials (10)

• First-in-human test of QLS2319 in healthy adults and cancer cachexia

  This study tests QLS2319 in healthy adults and people with cancer cachexia to see if it is safe, tolerated, and how it behaves in the body, with a look at early signs of benefit.

  Recruiting Phase 1/2 Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. · Hefei, Anhui and 1 other locations · NCT07735104

• Omega-3 supplements plus progressive resistance training for cancer-related muscle loss

  This study tests whether fish oil and a structured resistance-training program can help improve muscle status in adults with various cancers who are receiving treatment.

  Recruiting University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · Erlangen, Bavaria · NCT07643558

• First-in-human testing of FID-022 in solid tumor patients

  This project will test an AI tool to spot early cancer-related weight loss and see if diet and exercise support are acceptable for people with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer.

  Recruiting H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute · Tampa, Florida · NCT07249775

• Single-dose GB18 injections in healthy adults (dose-escalation)

  This trial will test single subcutaneous doses of GB18 versus placebo in healthy adults to see if the drug is safe, how it behaves in the body, how it affects the circulating protein GDF15, and whether it triggers immune responses.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Kexing Biopharm Co., Ltd. · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT07237464

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety after a cancer diagnosis

  This study will test whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy using NPX-5 (25 mg or 10 mg versus a low 1 mg dose) helps adults who have anxiety from adjusting to a cancer diagnosis.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Phase 2 Psyence Australia Pty Ltd · Abbotsford, Victoria and 4 other locations · NCT07072728

• NGM120 treatment for cachexia in colorectal cancer

  This trial tests whether the drug NGM120 can help people with colorectal cancer who have cancer cachexia gain or maintain weight and improve symptoms.

  Recruiting at 27 sites Phase 2 NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc · Los Angeles, California and 27 other locations · NCT07033026

• GFS202A for adults with advanced solid tumors and cachexia

  This study will test whether GFS202A is safe and tolerable in adults with advanced solid tumors who have pre-cachexia or cachexia.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Genfleet Therapeutics (Shanghai) Inc. · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT06898255

• Evaluating JMT203 for patients with cancer cachexia

  This study is testing a new treatment called JMT203 to see if it can help people with cancer cachexia feel better and improve their health.

  Recruiting Phase 1/2 Shanghai JMT-Bio Inc. · Zhejiang · NCT06868849

• Examining muscle characteristics in colorectal cancer patients with cachexia

  This study looks at the muscles of colorectal cancer patients with and without cachexia to see how they differ from healthy people.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hasselt University · Diepenbeek, Limburg and 1 other locations · NCT06780423

• Elastic band resistance training versus whole-body electrical muscle stimulation for people with cancer.

  We will test whether 12 weeks of elastic band resistance exercises or whole-body electrical muscle stimulation help people with cancer keep or gain muscle, improve fitness, and feel less fatigued.

  Recruiting University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · Erlangen · NCT04067167

NIH-funded research (newest 40 of 49)

Early-stage science funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Most of these projects don't enroll patients, but they show what is being worked on.

• Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia

  A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11636110

• CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia

  A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.

  NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11596283

• Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues

  Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.

  NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11539627

• Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer

  This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11499527

• Stopping an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 to prevent cancer-related muscle loss

  This work explores whether blocking an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 can stop or reverse the severe muscle wasting that often affects people with pancreatic cancer.

  NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11467747

• How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer

  This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.

  NIH research Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · North Chicago, United States · NIH-11457142

• Antibody approaches to prevent weight and muscle loss in pancreatic cancer

  Trying antibody-based therapies to stop or reduce muscle wasting and weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer.

  NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11441340

• Complement system and cancer cachexia in pancreatic cancer

  A cancer-focused research project studying how the body's complement system may contribute to muscle and weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11404094

• Electrical impedance measurements to track cancer-related muscle loss

  A first-ever test using a handheld device to measure muscle health in adults with cancer to help diagnose and monitor cancer cachexia.

  NIH research Myolex, INC. · Brookline, UNITED STATES · NIH-11402064

• Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting

  This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.

  NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11394547

• IGFBP1 and a liver-bone-muscle link in colorectal cancer cachexia

  Aims to understand how a liver-made protein (IGFBP1) contributes to muscle and bone wasting in people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11382960

• TGFβ2 and macrophages in cancer-related muscle wasting

  This project looks at whether a protein called TGFβ2 and a type of immune cell (M2 macrophages) cause muscle and weight loss in people with cancer.

  NIH research University of South Carolina at Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11371200

• Blocking Perp to slow pancreatic cancer and cancer-related muscle wasting

  This project will test whether lowering a protein called Perp can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people with pancreatic cancer who are losing weight and muscle.

  NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11363734

• Metabolic drivers of cancer cachexia–related heart weakness

  A study in mice explores how metabolism in the heart is affected by cancer cachexia and tests a mitochondrial stabilizing treatment to protect heart function.

  NIH research Baylor University · Waco, United States · NIH-11359804

• BNIP3 and muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer

  This work looks at whether a protein called BNIP3 drives muscle wasting in people with pancreatic cancer and whether muscle-derived blood markers could help detect cancer earlier.

  NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11241130

• Boosting the body's inflammation-resolution signals to counter cancer-related wasting

  Seeks to boost the body's natural inflammation-resolution signals to reduce muscle and weight loss in people with advanced cancer.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11237614

• Network to cure cancer-related weight and muscle loss

  A team of doctors and scientists is joining forces to find why cancer causes severe weight and muscle loss and to create better ways to help people with cancer-related wasting.

  NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11237222

• Targeting cancer cachexia drivers with antibody-based therapies

  A cancer-focused research grant aims to find antibody-based ways to prevent or treat muscle wasting in patients with pancreatic cancer.

  NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11235138

• Targeting JAK/STAT-driven fat loss in cancer

  This project aims to find ways to stop or reverse the fat and weight loss caused by cancer-related inflammation in people with advanced cancer.

  NIH research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, United States · NIH-11211088

• Stopping cancer-related fat loss caused by JAK/STAT signals

  This work aims to find ways to block JAK/STAT signals that make people with advanced cancer lose fat and weight.

  NIH research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, United States · NIH-11175336

• IGFBP1 — a liver protein linked to muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer

  This work focuses on a liver protein called IGFBP1 that may drive muscle and bone wasting in people with colorectal cancer, especially when the cancer spreads to the liver.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11173599

• Complement proteins and cancer-related muscle loss

  This project checks whether blocking complement proteins can reduce muscle wasting in people with cancer.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11170490

• Treating nerve- and hormone-related weight loss and fatigue in people with cancer

  This project tests ways to calm brain inflammation and stress-hormone overactivity that contribute to poor appetite, muscle loss, fatigue, and heart problems in people with cancer.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11167682

• A network aimed at understanding and treating cancer cachexia

  This study is looking into cancer cachexia, a tough condition that causes weight loss and muscle loss in many cancer patients, to find out how tumors affect the body and to discover new ways to help improve treatment and quality of life for those affected.

  NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11163814

• New treatment approach for cancer-related muscle loss

  This study is testing a new mRNA treatment designed to help cancer patients who are losing muscle mass due to cachexia, by delivering a special message to their cancer cells to help preserve their muscle and improve their overall well-being, especially when used alongside regular chemotherapy.

  NIH research Oregon State University · Corvallis, United States · NIH-11101117

• Investigating how AMPK affects muscle mass and function in cancer cachexia

  This study is looking at how a protein called AMPK can help cancer patients who are losing weight and muscle strength, with the goal of finding new ways to improve their health and quality of life.

  NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11088167

• Investigating how BNIP3 and mitophagy contribute to muscle wasting in cancer patients.

  This study is looking at how a protein called BNIP3 affects muscle loss in people with pancreatic cancer, using mouse models to see how it works and checking muscle samples from patients to find out if BNIP3 can help predict muscle wasting and survival, which could lead to better ways to spot the disease early.

  NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11073437

• Exploring how cancer affects fat tissue to combat weight loss in patients

  This study is looking at how cancer causes weight loss and muscle wasting, called cancer cachexia, and aims to find ways to stop this from happening, which could help patients feel better and maintain their health during treatment.

  NIH research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, United States · NIH-11063032

• Investigating lipocalin-2 to prevent weight loss and cognitive decline in cancer patients

  This study is looking at how cancer affects the body by causing a molecule called lipocalin-2 to be produced, which might lead to loss of appetite and trouble thinking, and it aims to find ways to help cancer patients who are experiencing severe weight loss and muscle loss.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11061244

• Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss

  This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.

  NIH research Indiana University Indianapolis · Indianapolis, United States · NIH-11056857

• Investigating how platelets contribute to muscle loss in cancer cachexia

  This study is looking at how certain blood cells called platelets might affect weight loss and muscle loss in people with cancer, with the hope of finding new treatments to help those dealing with this tough condition.

  NIH research University of South Carolina at Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11049188

• Understanding how liver metabolism affects muscle loss in pancreatic cancer patients

  This study is looking at how liver function affects weight loss and muscle wasting in people with pancreatic cancer, hoping to find new ways to help improve their health and quality of life.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11021041

• How chemotherapy worsens muscle wasting in cancer patients

  This study is looking at how two chemotherapy drugs, fluorouracil and cisplatin, might cause muscle loss and tiredness in cancer patients, with the hope of finding ways to help patients feel better and keep their strength during treatment.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11015907

• Investigating how stress hormones affect heart changes in cancer-related weight loss

  This study is looking at how cancer cachexia, a serious type of malnutrition that often happens with pancreatic cancer, affects the heart, and it aims to find new ways to help improve the heart health and overall well-being of patients dealing with this condition.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11004608

• Finding ways to reduce inflammation and muscle loss in cancer patients

  This study is looking at ways to help cancer patients who are losing muscle and feeling weak due to inflammation, by exploring how certain molecules can help clear out damaged cells and support muscle recovery, with the goal of finding better treatments to improve their well-being.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11004394

• Targeting the causes of muscle wasting in cancer patients

  This study is looking at how cancer can cause severe muscle loss in patients, especially those with pancreatic cancer, and aims to find new ways to help prevent or treat this issue by exploring specific genes and potential therapies.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-10999442

• Understanding how cancer causes fat loss to find new treatments for cachexia

  This study is looking into why cancer causes weight loss and muscle wasting in patients, using mice to understand how cancer affects fat and inflammation, with hopes of finding new ways to help people who are struggling with this tough condition.

  NIH research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, United States · NIH-10914804

• Creating a mouse model to understand and treat lung cancer-related weight loss

  This study is creating a special type of mouse to help us understand the weight loss and muscle loss that lung cancer patients experience, so we can find better ways to help those who are struggling with these symptoms.

  NIH research University of Vermont & St Agric College · Burlington, United States · NIH-10899609

• Investigating how the complement system affects muscle loss in cancer patients

  This study is looking into how cancer can cause serious weight and muscle loss, and it aims to find new ways to help improve the lives of cancer patients by understanding the body's inflammation response.

  NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-10898598

• Exploring treatments for weight loss and energy issues in cancer patients

  This study is looking into how cancer causes weight loss and muscle loss, and it aims to find ways to help improve the health and recovery of patients dealing with these tough symptoms.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-10897044

Related topics

Quick answers

How many Cancer Cachexia clinical trials are recruiting right now?

10, as of November 12, 2026. We update this list each time we refresh our data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Where are these trials running?

In 8 countries. The most sites are in China (4 trials), Germany (2 trials), United States (2 trials), Australia (1 trial), Belgium (1 trial). Each study page lists its sites and which ones are recruiting.

What phases are they in?

Phase 2: 2, Phase 1/2: 2, Phase 1: 2. Trials with no phase listed are usually device, behavioural or observational studies.

How do I join one?

Open a study, check the "Is this trial a fit for you?" section, then contact the study team listed on the page. They will ask a few screening questions. Asking is free and does not commit you to anything. Talk it over with your doctor first.

Find the studies that fit you

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