Finding ways to reduce inflammation and muscle loss in cancer patients
Official title: Control of cancer cachexia via stimulation of resolution of inflammation
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11004394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,696 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276107-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are experiencing cachexia and related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those who are not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cancer cachexia, a serious condition that causes muscle wasting and inflammation in cancer patients. The team aims to understand how inflammation can be resolved in the body, using specialized molecules that help clear cellular debris and promote muscle regeneration. By studying these processes, they hope to develop new treatments that can counteract the harmful effects of inflammation and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from cachexia. The research will utilize established experimental systems to explore these mechanisms in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate muscle loss and improve overall health in cancer patients experiencing cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of stimulating the resolution of inflammation is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar strategies may have potential in other inflammatory conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Panigrahy, Dipak — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Panigrahy, Dipak
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.
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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.