Investigating how pancreatic cancer affects fat and muscle loss
Project 1 – IL-6/STAT3/NF-kB in Adipose-Muscle Crosstalk in the Pancreatic Cancer Macroenvironment
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer causes weight loss and muscle loss, and it aims to find new ways to help patients keep their strength and improve their treatment results by focusing on specific signals in the body.
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-10898563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to severe weight loss and muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer patients. The study examines the interactions between fat and muscle tissues in the presence of pancreatic tumors, specifically looking at the roles of certain signaling pathways (IL-6, STAT3, and NF-kB) that contribute to this weight loss. By targeting these pathways, the research aims to find ways to preserve muscle mass and improve patient outcomes, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients may be involved in trials that test new therapies aimed at mitigating cachexia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing weight loss and muscle wasting.
Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not experiencing cachexia or significant weight loss may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve muscle mass in pancreatic cancer patients, improving their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways to combat cachexia in cancer patients, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
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.