Understanding how liver metabolism affects weight loss in pancreatic cancer patients
Hepatic metabolic reprogramming drives pancreatic cancer cachexia
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.
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 ID | NIH-10884334 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the severe weight loss known as cachexia that affects patients with pancreatic cancer. It focuses on how pancreatic cancer alters liver metabolism, which plays a crucial role in the body's response to nutrients. The study aims to modify liver activity to see if it can reduce tissue wasting and improve patient outcomes. By examining both animal models and human samples, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this condition and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing significant weight loss.
Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not experiencing cachexia or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate cachexia and improve the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While cachexia is a well-known complication of cancer, this specific approach to understanding liver metabolism in pancreatic cancer cachexia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossberg, Aaron — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Grossberg, Aaron
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.