How metastatic colorectal cancer weakens muscles and bones
The musculoskeletal cost of metastatic colorectal cancer
This research looks at how metastatic colorectal cancer and a hormone called FGF21 cause muscle and bone wasting in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330251 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have metastatic colorectal cancer, this project aims to understand why cachexia causes loss of muscle and bone by focusing on signals from tumors and the liver, especially the hormone FGF21. Researchers combine analysis of patient blood and tissue samples with laboratory experiments in cells and mouse tumor models to trace where FGF21 comes from and how it damages musculoskeletal tissues. They remove or block FGF21 in tumor cells and animals to see whether muscle and bone are preserved and to identify the cellular mechanisms involved. The team hopes to find targetable signals or biomarkers that could guide future treatments or identify patients at high risk for wasting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with metastatic colorectal cancer—especially those with liver metastases and signs of weight loss or cachexia—who might provide clinical samples or be considered for future treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or with early-stage disease and no cachexia are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat cancer-related muscle and bone wasting, improving strength, quality of life, and survival for people with advanced colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data and earlier lab studies suggest FGF21 may drive cancer-related wasting, but targeting FGF21 as a therapy in patients remains largely novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huot, Joshua — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Huot, Joshua
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.