Understanding and treating cancer-related wasting
CANCAN - Kaiser
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11235483
A team is testing whether substances released by tumors trigger brain and metabolic changes that cause people with cancer to lose weight and muscle, with the aim of helping patients with cancer-related wasting.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235483 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project brings together international scientists and clinicians to find what tumors do to cause severe weight and muscle loss in people with cancer. Researchers combine detailed clinical exams, blood and tissue sampling, and advanced laboratory techniques in animals and cells—including isotope tracing and imaging mass spectrometry—to track metabolic changes and tumor-host signals. They will link findings from lab models to measurements in patients to identify tumor-derived signals and neurohormonal pathways that drive poor appetite, wasting, and treatment intolerance. The team aims to pinpoint targets for new therapies and to identify which patients are most at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancer who are losing weight or muscle mass, or who are at high risk of cachexia and willing to provide medical information and biological samples.
Not a fit: People without cancer or without signs of weight or muscle loss are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent or reverse cancer-related wasting, improving strength, quality of life, and response to cancer therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified some pathways involved in wasting but has not produced effective treatments, so this integrated approach is relatively novel and seeks new therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE — Oakland, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAAN, BETTE J — KAISER FOUNDATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: CAAN, BETTE J
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.