Exploring treatments for weight loss and energy issues in cancer patients
Official title: PQ6: Therapeutic approaches for autonomic and neuroendocrine dysfunction in cancer cachexia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10897044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $411,136 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA264133-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing cachexia, characterized by significant weight loss and metabolic disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or do not exhibit symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying mechanisms of cancer cachexia, a condition characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients. The team aims to understand how cancer triggers neuroinflammation and affects the sympathetic nervous system, which may lead to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular issues. By studying these processes, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic approaches that could improve the quality of life and recovery for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that alleviate weight loss and improve overall health in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the mechanisms of cancer cachexia have been studied, this research aims to explore novel therapeutic approaches that have not yet been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossberg, Aaron — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Grossberg, Aaron
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.