Understanding the impact of metastatic colorectal cancer on muscle and bone health
Official title: The musculoskeletal cost of metastatic colorectal cancer
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11104717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how advanced colorectal cancer causes weight loss and muscle weakness, and it aims to find out if a hormone called FGF21 plays a role in this, so we can discover new ways to help patients feel better and maintain their strength.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,084 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA299888-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer who are experiencing symptoms of cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those without cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metastatic colorectal cancer leads to cachexia, a condition that causes significant muscle and bone loss, negatively affecting patients' quality of life. The study aims to identify specific biological factors, particularly the hormone FGF21, that contribute to this wasting syndrome. By examining the metabolic changes in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the research seeks to uncover potential targets for treatment to mitigate muscle and bone deterioration. The approach includes both laboratory studies and patient data analysis to understand the mechanisms behind cachexia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve muscle and bone health in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting metabolic pathways in cachexia may yield promising results, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huot, Joshua — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Huot, Joshua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Population-based view of patient-reported outcomes in adults with metastatic colorectal cancer
This grant funds a long-term study to understand experiences and quality of life for adults living with metastatic colorectal cancer.
-
Nanodelivery of FP polymers to improve treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
A new nanoscale therapy called CF10 is being developed to deliver a chemotherapy drug more directly to metastatic colorectal cancer, aiming for better tumor targeting and fewer side effects.
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How metastatic colorectal cancer weakens muscles and bones
This research looks at how metastatic colorectal cancer and a hormone called FGF21 cause muscle and bone wasting in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
-
Nanoscale polymers delivering patient-specific cancer vaccines for metastatic colorectal cancer
A new therapy uses tiny, designer particles to carry patient-specific cancer antigens to tumors in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
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Targeted nanoparticles combining chemotherapy and immune stimulation for advanced colon cancer
Targeted nanoparticles that deliver a two-drug chemotherapy combo plus immune-activating components are being developed to help people with metastatic colorectal (colon) cancer that usually does not respond to current immunotherapy.
-
Symptoms and quality of life in adults living with metastatic colorectal cancer
Researchers will follow adults with metastatic colorectal cancer over time to learn what symptoms and quality-of-life issues they experience during treatment and survivorship.
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.