Understanding how pancreatic cancer affects body weight and muscle health
Core B – Human Biospecimen and Advanced Sequencing Core
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer affects the body, especially why it causes weight loss and muscle loss, and it hopes to find new ways to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) on the body, particularly focusing on how the cancer leads to significant weight loss and muscle wasting, known as cachexia. It examines the role of specific circulating factors, such as IL-6, that contribute to these changes in body tissues. By analyzing human clinical specimens and using advanced sequencing techniques, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of PDAC and its impact on metabolism. This could help identify new therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing cachexia.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not experiencing significant weight loss may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from weight loss and muscle wasting due to pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cachexia, but this approach is innovative in its focus on the specific mechanisms involved in pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koniaris, Leonidas G. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Koniaris, Leonidas G.
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.