Understanding and treating cancer cachexia
CANCAN - SALK
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' lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10630044 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 alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
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 those without 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, enhancing patient responses to cancer therapies and improving overall survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on cancer cachexia, this approach is novel in its focus on the upstream mediators and systemic metabolic interactions, aiming to fill critical gaps in understanding and treatment.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayres, Janelle S — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Ayres, Janelle S
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.