Treating nerve- and hormone-related weight loss and fatigue in people with cancer
PQ6: Therapeutic approaches for autonomic and neuroendocrine dysfunction in cancer cachexia
This project tests ways to calm brain inflammation and stress-hormone overactivity that contribute to poor appetite, muscle loss, fatigue, and heart problems in people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the researchers want to know how cancer triggers inflammation in the brain and keeps the body's stress systems turned on, which can lead to appetite loss, muscle wasting, tiredness, and heart trouble. They will use lab and animal experiments and collaborations to map changes in the sympathetic nervous system and neuroendocrine signals during cachexia. The team will try approaches to reduce neuroinflammation and restore nervous-system and hormonal balance to protect appetite, muscle, and cardiovascular function. Successful lab results could point the way to clinical tests of new medicines or therapies for people with cancer-related wasting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who are experiencing unintentional weight loss, poor appetite, severe fatigue, or other signs of cachexia would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without cancer or cancer patients who are not experiencing weight loss or signs of autonomic or neuroendocrine dysfunction are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that help preserve appetite and muscle, reduce fatigue, and improve heart health and survival for people with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and animal studies have shown promise for targeting neuroinflammation and sympathetic overactivity in cachexia, but there are currently no widely accepted medicines proven to fix these problems in patients.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossberg, Aaron — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Grossberg, Aaron
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 below.