Imaging and targeted nanoparticle therapy for pancreatic cancer-related weight loss
Molecular Imaging and Metabolotheranostics of PDAC-Induced Cachexia
Using advanced imaging and nanoparticles that deliver gene-silencing medicine to try to stop or reverse severe weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use molecular and functional imaging to track metabolic changes in tumors, spleen, brain, and blood during pancreatic cancer–related cachexia. They will deliver theranostic nanoparticles carrying siRNA to disrupt glutamine metabolism (including the SLC1A5 transporter) that preliminary data show is linked to weight loss. Studies combine preclinical PDAC xenograft models with analysis of human plasma and tumor tissue to guide targets and measure effects. Outcomes will include body weight, organ (especially spleen) metabolism and immune changes, and nanoparticle biodistribution by imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing or at high risk for cachexia (cancer-related weight loss) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer-related cachexia or whose weight loss has noncancer causes are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce cancer-related weight loss and improve patients' strength and response to other treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal experiments and preliminary human tissue/plasma data are promising, but testing in people is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M.
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.