Understanding and treating cancer cachexia

CANCAN - Kaiser

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10625790

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10625790 on NIH RePORTER

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. By utilizing advanced techniques such as isotope tracing and imaging mass spectroscopy, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. The project involves collaboration among a diverse group of international experts in various fields related to cancer and metabolism.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing significant weight loss and muscle wasting due to cancer cachexia.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently diagnosed with cancer or do not exhibit symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for cancer cachexia, improving patients' quality of life and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on cancer cachexia, this approach aims to explore novel mechanisms that have not yet been fully understood or targeted in previous studies.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.