Investigating how stress hormones affect heart changes in cancer-related weight loss
Official title: The role of adrenergic signaling in cancer cachexia-associated cardiac remodeling
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11004608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cachexia, a serious type of malnutrition that often happens with pancreatic cancer, affects the heart, and it aims to find new ways to help improve the heart health and overall well-being of patients dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | February 24, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL170476-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing symptoms of cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cachexia due to conditions other than cancer or those without significant cardiac involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cancer cachexia, a severe form of malnutrition often seen in pancreatic cancer, affects the heart. It examines the role of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's stress response, in causing harmful changes to heart structure and function during this condition. By exploring the mechanisms behind these changes, the research aims to identify potential targets for new treatments that could improve the quality of life for affected patients. The study will involve both laboratory models and observations from patients to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate heart problems associated with cancer cachexia, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of the sympathetic nervous system in cardiac remodeling during cancer cachexia is not well-studied, related research has shown promising results in understanding cachexia and its effects on various organs.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diba, Parham — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Diba, Parham
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
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Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
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Stopping an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 to prevent cancer-related muscle loss
This work explores whether blocking an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 can stop or reverse the severe muscle wasting that often affects people with pancreatic cancer.
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How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
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.