Investigating muscle fibrosis in patients with cachexia
Official title: Muscle Fibrosis in Cachexia
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10895446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how muscle scarring affects treatment responses in patients with severe muscle loss from cancer and other chronic diseases, and it aims to find better ways to help these patients feel stronger and improve their muscle function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,912 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081391-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients or individuals with chronic diseases who are experiencing muscle wasting and cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cachexia or muscle wasting conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on cachexia, a condition characterized by severe muscle wasting often seen in cancer and chronic disease patients. It aims to understand how muscle fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of muscle tissue, affects the body's response to treatments in patients with advanced cachexia. Using a novel mouse model, the study will explore the impact of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis therapies on muscle function at different stages of cachexia. By identifying the mechanisms behind muscle fibrosis, the research seeks to improve treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for patients suffering from cachexia, potentially improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting inflammation can improve outcomes in cachexia, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Ishan — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Roy, Ishan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Muscle wasting in cachexia and how to protect muscle health
This grant explores how muscle fibrosis and inflammation affect cachexia in cancer and other chronic diseases, focusing on a new mouse model to understand why some treatments stop working.
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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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This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
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A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
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Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
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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.
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.