Understanding and treating cancer cachexia
Official title: CANCAN - Cambridge
Funded at University of Cambridge · NIH-10625550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into cancer cachexia, a tough condition that causes weight loss and muscle loss in many cancer patients, to understand how tumors affect the body's metabolism and find new ways to help improve patients' health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cambridge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | June 22, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $304,426 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA278669-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10625550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing significant weight loss and muscle wasting due to cancer cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently experiencing symptoms of cancer cachexia or those with early-stage cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cancer cachexia, a severe condition affecting around 80% of cancer patients, characterized by significant weight loss and muscle wasting. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms driving this syndrome by examining the interactions between tumors and the body's metabolic processes. A diverse team of international experts will utilize advanced techniques, including metabolic tracing and imaging, to identify potential therapeutic targets. The ultimate goal is to develop effective treatments that can improve patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective therapies for cancer cachexia, improving the quality of life and survival rates for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on cancer cachexia, this approach is novel in its focus on the upstream mediators and systemic interactions involved.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biffi, Giulia — University of Cambridge
- Study coordinator: Biffi, Giulia
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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.