Creating a mouse model to understand and treat lung cancer-related weight loss
Official title: Development of a clinically relevant mouse model of lung cancer cachexia to study pathoetiology and therapeutic strategies
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10899609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $173,208 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA283492-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lung cancer, particularly those experiencing significant weight loss or muscle wasting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung cancer who do not exhibit symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mouse model that mimics the weight loss and muscle wasting seen in lung cancer patients, known as cancer cachexia. By studying how lung tumors interact with the body to cause these symptoms, researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. The project will utilize genetically modified mice with specific mutations to better replicate the human condition, allowing for more relevant findings that could lead to improved treatments for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively combat cancer cachexia, improving the quality of life and treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using animal models to understand cancer cachexia, but this specific approach aims to fill gaps in existing research by creating a more clinically relevant model.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toth, Michael J — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Toth, Michael J
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.
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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.