CANCOG: Neurobehavioural and cognitive changes in cancer cachexia v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the impact of CANcer on neurobehavioural mechanisms and COGnition in cachexia (“CANCOG”).
IRAS ID
331722
Contact name
Anthony Coll
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 9 months, 18 days
Research summary
Cancer cachexia is a complex disorder involving progressive loss of muscle and fat in people with cancer, which cannot be corrected with dietary supplements. It affects 50-80% of the cancer population, and accounts for up to 20% of cancer related deaths.To date there are no effective treatments for cancer cachexia and further research is needed to highlight possible treatments for this condition.
Previous research into conditions such as obesity and anorexia have shown the importance of signals between the body and the brain in controlling appetite. This study will focus on how cancer affects signals within the body which are communicated to the brain. We believe that in cancer, these signals may be altered, leading to changes in appetite and less pleasure from eating, ultimately resulting in weight loss (cancer cachexia).
The study will be observational and will be carried out in one centre at the Translational Research Facility, Addenbrookes Hospital. We aim to recruit 50 participants (30 with cancer and weight loss, and 20 healthy volunteers). Potential participants will be identified by clinical teams in oncology clinics, via recruitment posters and multi-disciplinary team meetings on the hospital site. Participants in this study will attend for one study visit lasting 4 hours. During this time, participants will undergo an MRI scan, complete questionnaires and perform computer based tasks.
We aim to look for changes within the brain, and changes in body-to-brain signals in people with cancer and people who do not have cancer. We will assess attitudes to eating and body perceptions using questionnaires and computer based tasks. This will allow us to increase our understanding of whether cancer is driving changes in behaviour which may cause weight loss (cachexia). The ultimate goal is to develop treatment strategies in future to prevent weight loss and improve outcomes for people with cancer.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0132
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion