How the body's environment drives weight and muscle loss in pancreatic cancer
The role of the macroenvironment in pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia
Seeing if targeting inflammatory signals around pancreatic tumors can reduce severe weight and muscle loss in people with pancreatic cancer.
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-11144575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program aims to understand why pancreatic cancer causes severe weight and muscle loss (cachexia) by studying inflammation and signaling that affect the whole body. The team focuses on the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and uses three linked research projects supported by shared laboratory cores to study tumor and peripheral tissues. Researchers will combine laboratory experiments with patient-related samples and data to find signals that cause wasting and identify points to block that process. The goal is to point toward treatments that protect fat and muscle while patients receive cancer therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those losing weight or at high risk of cachexia, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer who are not experiencing cachexia or those without pancreatic disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that preserve weight and muscle in pancreatic cancer patients, improving quality of life and possibly survival.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked IL-6/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling to cancer wasting, but this integrated focus on the whole-body "macroenvironment" in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guttridge, Denis C — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Guttridge, Denis C
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.