Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome experienced by 80% of advanced-stage cancer patients that induces significant muscle and fat loss and directly causes approximately 30% of cancer deaths¹. Despite its devastating effect on patient outcomes, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments for cancer cachexia².

Our project tackles cachexia through engineered macrophages that modulate the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine whose overabundance in cancer patients causes systemic immune dysfunction and is largely responsible for the wasting associated with cachexia³. By engineering macrophages with a chimeric antigen receptor that induces phagocytosis upon IL-6 binding, we have designed a novel therapeutic that reduces IL-6 levels to a healthy baseline.

To quickly learn more about our project, view our project promotion video below.

1. “Treating Cancer Cachexia: Progress Looks Possible.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/cachexia. Accessed 29 June 2023.
2. Roeland, Eric J., et al. “Management of Cancer Cachexia: ASCO Guideline.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 38, no. 21, 2020, pp. 2438–2453, https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.20.00611.
3. Narsale, Aditi A., and James A. Carson. “Role of Interleukin-6 in Cachexia.” Current Opinion in Supportive & Palliative Care, vol. 8, no. 4, 2014, pp. 321–327, https://doi.org/10.1097/spc.0000000000000091.