How chemotherapy worsens muscle wasting in cancer patients
Official title: Mechanism of chemotherapy potentiation of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11015907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 2, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $429,791 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA249896-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who are experiencing or at risk of muscle wasting and fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those without cancer-related cachexia may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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.