Understanding how cancer causes fat loss to find new treatments for cachexia
Identifying the Cellular and Molecular Targets of JAK/STAT-Driven Adipose Wasting to Reverse Cancer Cachexia
This study is looking into why cancer causes weight loss and muscle wasting in patients, using mice to understand how cancer affects fat and inflammation, with hopes of finding new ways to help people who are struggling with this tough condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914804 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to significant weight loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients. By using mouse models, the study aims to identify how cancer influences fat loss and the role of specific inflammatory signals in this process. The researchers are developing assays to test how these signals affect fat cells, with the goal of discovering new therapeutic targets that could help reverse cachexia in patients. This work is crucial as there are currently no FDA-approved treatments for this debilitating condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing cachexia or significant weight loss.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing cachexia or those with early-stage cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help cancer patients maintain their weight and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting inflammatory pathways to address cachexia, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Infante, Rodney E — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Infante, Rodney E
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.