Targeting cancer cachexia drivers with antibody-based therapies
Official title: Targeting cancer cachexia drivers using antibody-based approaches
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11235138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused research grant aims to find antibody-based ways to prevent or treat muscle wasting in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,263,803 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA281207-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with cancer-associated cachexia, particularly those with pancreatic cancer, who might benefit from future antibody-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cachexia or those not considered for antibody-based interventions may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project explores how a specific gene (TGIF1) in pancreatic cancer cells might drive muscle loss in patients. Researchers will use mouse models to test antibody-based strategies that could block pathways involved in cachexia. The goal is to identify therapies that preserve muscle and improve quality of life for people with pancreatic cancer and cachexia. The work is conducted at Wayne State University with a focus on translating findings toward human treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to new therapies that reduce muscle wasting and improve survival and daily functioning for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models showed that altering cancer pathways could influence cachexia development, making this approach plausible but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atfi, Azeddine — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Atfi, Azeddine
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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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.
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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.
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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.