Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Official title: CANCAN - Spatially resolved metabolic measurements in cells and organs during cancer cachexia
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11539627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $294,701 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2CA298937-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancer who are experiencing or at risk for cachexia, or who have tissues available for imaging analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cachexia or those whose tissues are not available for analysis may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses MALDI imaging mass spectrometry to create detailed maps of metabolites directly in tissue samples from cancer patients and model systems. By analyzing muscle, fat, and liver, it seeks to reveal how tumors drive metabolic changes that contribute to weight and muscle loss. The study emphasizes non-destructive analysis that allows additional tests to be performed on the same tissue section for a richer, multi-omics view. The findings could point to metabolic targets for therapies to help patients maintain weight and strength during cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify precise metabolic pathways to target, potentially slowing or reversing cachexia in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior spatial metabolomics approaches have shown promise in mapping metabolic changes, with potential to guide targeted interventions, though this exact application is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Shawn Michael — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Shawn Michael
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Antibody approaches to prevent weight and muscle loss in pancreatic cancer
Trying antibody-based therapies to stop or reduce muscle wasting and weight loss in 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.