Understanding how cancer affects blood vessels and causes weight loss
Official title: Rewiring Cancer-Induced Abnormalities in the Vascular Barrier
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10802955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $502,563 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA279689-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing significant weight loss and muscle wasting due to cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer or those not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iruela-Arispe, M. Luisa — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Iruela-Arispe, M. Luisa
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.