Understanding cancer cachexia and metabolism at a virtual institute
Official title: CANCAN-HARVARDTHCHAN
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11539621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer cachexia study at a virtual, international research network aims to uncover why some patients lose weight and muscle and how to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $307,052 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2CA278654-01S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancer who experience or are at risk of cancer cachexia and related metabolic disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer cachexia or those not enrolled in related clinical phenotyping sub-studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project brings together scientists and clinicians to study cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome that affects many cancer patients and worsens treatment outcomes. Researchers will use advanced methods like isotope tracing and imaging to map how tumors influence the body's metabolism and appetite. The work emphasizes high-quality discovery and detailed clinical phenotyping to find upstream drivers and potential therapies. If successful, the findings could lead to better supportive care and longer, healthier lives for patients with cancer. The team is based at an international virtual institute with experts in cancer, metabolism, neuroendocrine function, and clinical phenotyping.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets for treating cachexia and improve quality of life and survival for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has highlighted pathways of tissue wasting, but upstream drivers and effective therapies remain elusive; this project aims to advance beyond current findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hui, Sheng — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Hui, Sheng
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.