# CANCAN - Spatially resolved metabolic measurements in cells and organs during cancer cachexia

> **NIH NIH OT2** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $114,726

## Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by significant loss of body weight
and muscle mass, which is not reversible through conventional nutritional support. This
condition severely affects the quality of life and survival rates of cancer patients. Understanding
the metabolic disruptions underlying cachexia is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) is a
cutting-edge technology that combines the specificity of mass spectrometry with spatial
mapping capabilities to visualize the distribution of metabolites and therapeutics directly within
tissue sections. This approach enables true metabolic measurements (‘molecular pathology’) at
the single-cell level. Importantly, this is a non-destructive method that allows for orthogonal
assays to be performed on the same slide, facilitating comprehensive ‘multi-omics’ analyses. By
utilizing MALDI-IMS, we aim to examine the systemic metabolic disruptions in various tissues
such as muscle, fat, and liver caused by tumors during the progression of cachexia. This
technology will enable us to perform spatial metabolomics and spatial metabolic flux analysis,
providing detailed insights into how metabolism is altered in specific cell populations within
these tissues.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11100571
- **Project number:** 1OT2CA298937-01
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Shawn Michael Davidson
- **Activity code:** OT2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $114,726
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11100571

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11100571, CANCAN - Spatially resolved metabolic measurements in cells and organs during cancer cachexia (1OT2CA298937-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11100571. Licensed CC0.

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