Targeting a specific protein to treat muscle and bone loss in cancer patients
Official title: Targeting RANKL for the treatment of muscle and bone defects in cachexia
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10993158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called RANKL affects bone and muscle loss in cancer patients, especially those with ovarian cancer, to help find better ways to treat these tough symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 10, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,360 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079379-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced cancer, particularly those experiencing cachexia and related musculoskeletal complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those without symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of RANKL, a protein involved in bone resorption, in the context of cachexia, a condition characterized by severe muscle and weight loss in cancer patients. The study aims to understand how RANKL contributes to bone and muscle deterioration in individuals with advanced cancer, particularly focusing on those with ovarian cancer. By exploring the mechanisms behind this process, the researchers hope to develop new treatment strategies that could mitigate these debilitating symptoms. The approach includes both animal models and patient observations to gather comprehensive data on the effects of RANKL on muscle and bone health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve muscle and bone health in cancer patients suffering from cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting RANKL for bone health, suggesting that this approach may be effective in treating cachexia-related complications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonetto, Andrea — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bonetto, Andrea
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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Adipose tissue and its role in lung cancer cachexia
A new NIH grant explores how fat tissue around the body may feed lung cancer growth and drive weight loss, with the aim of finding ways to help patients who struggle with cancer cachexia.
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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.
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Innate inflammatory control of cachexia in chronic disease
A research team is studying how inflammation drives cachexia in chronic disease using a parasite model to find therapies that could protect lean body mass without raising infection risk.
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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.
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.