How chemotherapy worsens muscle wasting in cancer patients
Mechanism of chemotherapy potentiation of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain chemotherapy drugs, specifically fluorouracil and cisplatin, contribute to muscle wasting and fatigue in cancer patients, a condition known as cachexia. By studying tumor-bearing mice, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this adverse effect, which can significantly impact a patient's ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of effective interventions to mitigate muscle loss and improve patient outcomes during chemotherapy. The study seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding the relationship between chemotherapy and muscle health in cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who are experiencing or at risk of muscle wasting and fatigue.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those without cancer-related cachexia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat muscle wasting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, ultimately improving their quality of life and treatment adherence.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting are not well understood, similar research has shown promise in identifying interventions for cachexia in cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yi-Ping — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Li, Yi-Ping
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 below.