Investigating ways to reverse weight loss caused by pancreatic cancer.
Official title: Molecular Imaging and Metabolotheranostics of PDAC-Induced Cachexia
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11167154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people with pancreatic cancer who are experiencing severe weight loss by using special techniques to target and change how their bodies process certain nutrients, with the hope of improving their health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $432,889 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA281075-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167154 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 significant weight loss and cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and reversing cachexia, a severe weight loss condition caused by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The team will use advanced imaging techniques and specially designed nanoparticles that deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target and disrupt glutamine metabolism, which is altered in patients with PDAC-induced cachexia. By studying the metabolic changes in the spleen and tumor environments, the researchers aim to develop effective treatments that can improve patient outcomes. This approach is based on preliminary findings that suggest targeting specific metabolic pathways can mitigate weight loss and improve immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the quality of life and treatment responses for patients suffering from cancer-related cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cachexia, suggesting that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bhujwalla, Zaver M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Metabolic vulnerability in pancreatic cancer cachexia linked to fat metabolism
This grant explores why people with pancreatic cancer lose weight and fat tissue and how fat metabolism affects their health and recovery.
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Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
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Blocking Perp to slow pancreatic cancer and cancer-related muscle wasting
This project will test whether lowering a protein called Perp can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people with pancreatic cancer who are losing weight and muscle.
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Imaging and targeted nanoparticle therapy for pancreatic cancer-related weight loss
Using advanced imaging and nanoparticles that deliver gene-silencing medicine to try to stop or reverse severe weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer.
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Why pancreatic cancer causes rapid fat and muscle loss
This project tests whether abnormal fat burning in people with pancreatic cancer causes the severe weight and muscle loss called cachexia and whether fixing that metabolism could help patients.
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Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss
This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.
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.