Understanding how cancer affects blood vessels and causes weight loss

Rewiring Cancer-Induced Abnormalities in the Vascular Barrier

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10802955

This study is looking at how cancer spreads to other parts of the body and affects blood vessels, which can lead to a serious condition called cachexia that causes weight loss and muscle loss in cancer patients, with the hope of finding early signs and better treatments to help improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10802955 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how tumors create specific environments in distant organs that promote the growth of metastatic cancer. It focuses on the impact of cancer on blood vessels and lymphatics, particularly how these changes contribute to a severe condition called cachexia, which leads to significant weight loss and muscle mass reduction in cancer patients. By studying these effects in animal models, the research aims to identify early signs of cachexia and develop effective treatments to improve patient outcomes. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life and treatment responses for cancer 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 cachexia.

Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cachexia, enhancing the quality of life and survival rates for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cachexia and its treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Conditions Cancer CachexiaCancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancer Induction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.