Investigating lipocalin-2 to prevent weight loss and cognitive decline in cancer patients
Official title: PQ6: Lipocalin-2 as a therapeutic target for prevention of cancer cachexia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11061244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer affects the body by causing a molecule called lipocalin-2 to be produced, which might lead to loss of appetite and trouble thinking, and it aims to find ways to help cancer patients who are experiencing severe weight loss and muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,991 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257452-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing cachexia, appetite loss, or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancer-related conditions or those not experiencing cachexia or cognitive issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cancer triggers the production of a molecule called lipocalin-2, which may lead to loss of appetite and cognitive decline in patients. By exploring the mechanisms of neuroinflammation associated with cancer, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to combat cachexia, a condition characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting. The research employs a combination of laboratory experiments and collaborations to unravel these complex interactions, ultimately seeking to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent weight loss and cognitive decline in cancer patients, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting lipocalin-2 is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding and addressing cachexia in cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmers, Teresa a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Zimmers, Teresa a
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.