Previously Funded Research

Marcus Goncalves, MD, PhD

Weill Cornell Medical College

Research Project:

Molecular mechanisms of cachexia in non-small cell lung cancer

Summary:

Cachexia is a complex metabolic disorder defined by a dramatic loss in body weight and skeletal muscle tissue.  This condition is very common in non-small cell lung cancer where affected patients have reduced mobility, worsened quality of life, and shortened survival.  Therapeutic strategies to limit muscle loss are predicted to reverse these deleterious outcomes, independent of direct cancer treatment.  Cachexia has no effective treatment or known etiology, in part, because animal models poorly mimic the findings in patients.  Dr. Goncalves has identified and characterized a mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer that reliably replicates human cachexia.  During the course of the project, he will study the ways in which lung tumors directly alter the endocrine system and lead to changes in ketone metabolism and stress hormone (glucocorticoid) levels.  The results of this project will further the understanding of how cachexia develops and will highlight new dietary and therapeutic strategies on which to base future treatment.