Imaging and targeted nanoparticle therapy for pancreatic cancer-related weight loss
Official title: Molecular Imaging and Metabolotheranostics of PDAC-Induced Cachexia
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11307168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,936 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281075-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11307168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing or at high risk for cachexia (cancer-related weight loss) would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pancreatic cancer-related cachexia or whose weight loss has noncancer causes are unlikely to benefit from this work.
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.
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 gone: Early animal experiments and preliminary human tissue/plasma data are promising, but testing in people is still novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Metabolic vulnerability in pancreatic cancer cachexia linked to fat metabolism
This grant explores why people with pancreatic cancer lose weight and fat tissue and how fat metabolism affects their health and recovery.
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Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
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Blocking Perp to slow pancreatic cancer and cancer-related muscle wasting
This project will test whether lowering a protein called Perp can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people with pancreatic cancer who are losing weight and muscle.
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Why pancreatic cancer causes rapid fat and muscle loss
This project tests whether abnormal fat burning in people with pancreatic cancer causes the severe weight and muscle loss called cachexia and whether fixing that metabolism could help patients.
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Investigating ways to reverse weight loss caused by pancreatic cancer.
This study is looking at ways to help people with pancreatic cancer who are experiencing severe weight loss by using special techniques to target and change how their bodies process certain nutrients, with the hope of improving their health and well-being.
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Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss
This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.
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.