A network aimed at understanding and treating cancer cachexia
Official title: The CANcer Cachexia Action Network (CANCAN): a Multidisciplinary Virtual Institute with the Mission to Cure Cancer Cachexia
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11163814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $570,945 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA301505-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing significant weight loss and muscle wasting due to cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on cancer cachexia, a severe condition affecting around 80% of cancer patients, characterized by significant weight loss and muscle wasting. The project brings together a diverse team of scientists and clinicians to explore the underlying mechanisms of cachexia, including how tumors influence metabolic processes and appetite. By utilizing advanced methodologies and collaborative efforts, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from new insights into treatment options that could enhance their quality of life and survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective therapies for cancer cachexia, improving treatment responses and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on cancer cachexia, this multidisciplinary approach is novel and aims to uncover new therapeutic avenues.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.
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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.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.