New treatment approach for cancer-related muscle loss
Official title: Novel Nanomedicine-Based Therapeutic Approach For Treatment of Cancer Cachexia
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11101117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mRNA treatment designed to help cancer patients who are losing muscle mass due to cachexia, by delivering a special message to their cancer cells to help preserve their muscle and improve their overall well-being, especially when used alongside regular chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,097 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA234006-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing cachexia, particularly those with metastatic ovarian cancer or head and neck cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or are not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel mRNA therapy to combat cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to severe muscle wasting in cancer patients. The therapy utilizes lipid nanoparticles to deliver follistatin mRNA directly to cancer cells, which helps to reduce harmful levels of activin A associated with aggressive cancers. By preserving muscle mass and potentially improving survival rates, this treatment aims to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from cachexia. The research will also explore the therapy's effectiveness in combination with traditional chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management of muscle loss in cancer patients, enhancing their overall health and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with mRNA therapies in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taratula, Oleh — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Taratula, Oleh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.