How inflammation between fat and muscle causes weight loss in pancreatic cancer
Project 1 – IL-6/STAT3/NF-kB in Adipose-Muscle Crosstalk in the Pancreatic Cancer Macroenvironment
Looking at whether blocking specific inflammatory signals between fat and muscle can help people with pancreatic cancer keep weight and muscle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144576 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on cancer cachexia—the severe weight and muscle loss common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)—and examines how tumors trigger harmful signaling between adipose (fat) and skeletal muscle. Researchers are studying the IL-6/IL6R/STAT3/NF-kB signaling pathway that they believe drives fat and muscle breakdown in the tumor macroenvironment. They will use laboratory models and analyses of tumor–tissue interactions, along with translational experiments, to see how these signals cause wasting and whether blocking them protects muscle. Ultimately the team aims to turn lab findings into approaches that could be tested in patients to preserve strength and improve tolerance of cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), especially those experiencing weight loss or muscle wasting (cachexia), would be the ideal candidates for related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose weight loss is caused by non-cancer conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or reduce muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer, improving quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that targeting these pathways can preserve muscle and extend survival in models, but clear clinical benefit in patients has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmers, Teresa a — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Zimmers, Teresa a
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.