Targeting the causes of muscle wasting in cancer patients
Official title: Targeting cancer cachexia drivers using antibody-based approaches
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10999442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer can cause severe muscle loss in patients, especially those with pancreatic cancer, and aims to find new ways to help prevent or treat this issue by exploring specific genes and potential therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,652 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, especially those diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing symptoms of cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancer who do not exhibit signs of cachexia or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to severe muscle loss in cancer patients, particularly those with pancreatic cancer. By studying specific genetic changes in mouse models, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic approaches that could prevent or treat muscle wasting. The project focuses on understanding how certain genes influence the development of cachexia and how targeting these pathways with antibody-based therapies could improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to develop innovative treatments that enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve muscle mass and overall health in cancer patients experiencing cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cachexia, but this specific approach using antibody-based therapies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atfi, Azeddine — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Atfi, Azeddine
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.