Understanding how liver metabolism affects muscle loss in pancreatic cancer patients
Official title: Elucidating the role of hepatic ketogenesis in pancreatic cancer cachexia and recovery
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11021041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how liver function affects weight loss and muscle wasting in people with pancreatic cancer, hoping to find new ways to help improve their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $118,041 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA286709-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not experiencing cachexia or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of liver metabolism in the development of cachexia, a condition affecting many patients with pancreatic cancer that leads to severe muscle loss. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which inflammation impacts the liver's ability to utilize fat for energy, which is crucial for preventing muscle wasting. By exploring the relationship between liver function and cachexia, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The approach includes both mechanistic studies and assessments of how these findings can be translated into clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent muscle loss in pancreatic cancer patients, improving their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cachexia mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on liver metabolism in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arneson-Wissink, Paige C — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Arneson-Wissink, Paige C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Understanding how liver metabolism affects weight loss in pancreatic cancer patients
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer causes severe weight loss and is trying to find ways to change liver function to help patients keep their weight and feel better.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
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Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
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.