Investigating how platelets contribute to muscle loss in cancer cachexia
The Role of Platelets in Cancer Cachexia
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · NIH-11049188
This study is looking at how certain blood cells called platelets might affect weight loss and muscle loss in people with cancer, with the hope of finding new treatments to help those dealing with this tough condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11049188 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to significant weight loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients. The study will explore the role of platelets, which are blood cells involved in inflammation, in the development of this syndrome. Researchers will deplete platelets in animal models to observe the effects on inflammation and muscle loss, and will also examine how activated platelets may contribute to these processes. The goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to targeted therapies for patients suffering from cancer cachexia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing symptoms of cachexia, particularly those with significant weight loss and muscle wasting.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or who do not exhibit symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent or reduce muscle loss in cancer patients, improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of platelets in cancer cachexia is an emerging area of research, preliminary data suggest that targeting platelets may offer a novel approach to managing this condition.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VELAZQUEZ, KANDY T — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: VELAZQUEZ, KANDY T
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.
Conditions: anti-cancer therapy