Examining brain changes in cancer-related weight loss
Understanding the Impact on CANcer on Neurobehavioral Mechanisms and COGnition in Cachexia (CANCOG)
This study is trying to see how cancer-related weight loss affects the brain's ability to control appetite and motivation by comparing people with cancer to healthy volunteers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Cambridge Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cambridge) |
| Trial ID | NCT06112964 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the differences in brain structure and function between individuals with cancer-related weight loss and healthy volunteers. Researchers will utilize MRI scans to assess brain areas associated with appetite control and motivation, while participants will complete questionnaires and computer-based tasks to evaluate their appetite and eating motivation. The study aims to uncover how cancer affects body-to-brain signals that may lead to appetite changes and weight loss. By comparing these factors in both groups, the study seeks to enhance understanding of cancer cachexia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and significant unintended weight loss.
Not a fit: Patients who are non-fluent in English or have contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of cancer cachexia, potentially guiding future treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored brain-body signals in conditions like obesity and anorexia, this specific focus on cancer cachexia is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: General inclusion criteria for all groups: * Written informed consent * Aged 18 years or over * Willing and able to comply with study procedures and visits Additional inclusion criteria for participants with cancer: * Histological or cytological diagnosis of cancer or confirmed non-intracranial malignancy on imaging. * Unintended documented weight loss of \>5% body weight in 6 months which is felt to be cancer related, OR patient reported weight loss and/or change in appetite Exclusion Criteria: General exclusion criteria for all groups: * Non-fluent English speaker * Active infection, as determined by the investigator based on clinical symptoms and / or fever and / or requirement for antibiotics * Women, who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are lactating. * MRI contraindication * A significant acute, chronic or psychiatric condition which in the judgement of the investigator would place the volunteer at undue risk or interfere with the study * Metabolically or clinically unstable on day of study visit * Artificial nutrition * Taking medications which, as determined by the investigator, may affect appetite or cognition, or otherwise affect completion of study tasks. * Weight or body circumference above upper threshold for MRI scanner (220kg) * Unresolved obstructive gastrointestinal (GI) lesion Additional exclusion criteria for participants with cancer: • Intracranial cancer or metastatic intracranial involvement of cancer Additional exclusion criteria for healthy volunteers: * Have, or be recovering from, any form of cancer * Unintentional weight loss of \>5% body weight or unexplained loss of appetite
Where this trial is running
Cambridge
- University of Cambridge — Cambridge, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anthony P Coll — University of Cambridge
- Study coordinator: Anthony P Coll, MD PHD
- Email: apc36@cam.ac.uk
- Phone: 01223 769041
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.